An Approach to Quantitatively Measuring Collaborative Performance in Online Conversations

Computers in Human Behavior, Vol. 27, pp. 1021-1032, 2011

41 Pages Posted: 17 Dec 2010 Last revised: 10 Aug 2014

See all articles by Paul Dwyer

Paul Dwyer

Willamette University - Atkinson Graduate School of Management

Date Written: December 13, 2010

Abstract

Interpersonal dynamics often hinder people from optimizing collaboration. Researchers who monitor the intellectual activity of people as they converse online receive less value when such collaboration is impaired. How can they detect suboptimal collaboration? This study builds on a new metric for measuring collaborative value from the information content of participant contributions to propose a measure of collaborative efficiency, and demonstrates its utility by assessing collaboration around a sample of weblogs. The new collaborative value metric can augment qualitative research by highlighting for deeper investigation conversational themes that triggered elevated collaborative production. Identifying these themes may also define the cognitive box people have built within a collaborative venue. Challenging people to consider fresh ideas by deliberately introducing them into collaborative venues is recommended as the key to overcoming collaborative dysfunction.

Keywords: Collaboration, Cognitive Modeling, Collective Thinking

Suggested Citation

Dwyer, Paul, An Approach to Quantitatively Measuring Collaborative Performance in Online Conversations (December 13, 2010). Computers in Human Behavior, Vol. 27, pp. 1021-1032, 2011, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1724849

Paul Dwyer (Contact Author)

Willamette University - Atkinson Graduate School of Management ( email )

900 State Street
Salem, OR 97301
United States

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