Narrative-Based Collaboration Systems for Distributed Teams: Nine Research Questions for Information Managers

Abstract

We propose a framework to explore how narrative can support distributed teams. Although information technologies enable distributed teamwork, they may increase the level of abstraction forced upon teams by the absence of co-location. To counter these effects, we explore how elements of narrative may be useful through their ability to convey team-related information. Nine research questions are presented that examine ways in which we can explore narrative information systems as tools for studying distributed teamwork.

Keywords:

• narrative
• team cognition
• collaboration
• teamwork
• team development

Acknowledgements

Writing this chapter was supported by Grant N000140610118 from the Office of Naval Research awarded to S. M., Fiore, S. Burke, F. Jentsch, & E. Salas, University of Central Florida. The views, opinions, and findings contained in this article are the authors and should not be construed as official or as reflecting the views of the Department of Defense or the University of Central Florida.