Discontinuities and Constructed Continuities in Virtual Work

Information Systems Journal, Forthcoming

34 Pages Posted: 31 Jan 2011

See all articles by Mary Beth Watson-Manheim

Mary Beth Watson-Manheim

University of Illinois at Chicago

Katherine Chudoba

Utah State University

Kevin Crowston

Syracuse University - School of Information Studies

Date Written: September 9, 2010

Abstract

Boundaries such as time, distance, organization, and culture have been a useful conceptual tool for researchers to unpack changes in the virtual work environment, moving from a dichotomous perspective that contrasts face-to-face (FTF) and virtual work to a more nuanced hybrid perspective. However, researchers may tacitly assume that all members of a virtual team and virtual teams collectively will respond to a boundary in a similar way. We posit instead that boundaries are a dynamic phenomenon and may have different consequences under different circumstances. We offer the language of discontinuities and continuities as a tool for more focused investigation of the virtual work environment. Discontinuities and continuities describe the setting in which individuals in a virtual team operate, both actual work practices and the perceptions of the individuals in the virtual work environment. The terms offer a starting point to identify and understand what may otherwise seem to be paradoxical differences in how virtual team members respond to boundaries.

Keywords: Virtual Work, Boundaries, Discontinuities, Continuities, Organizational Discontinuities Theory

Suggested Citation

Watson-Manheim, Mary Beth and Chudoba, Katherine and Crowston, Kevin, Discontinuities and Constructed Continuities in Virtual Work (September 9, 2010). Information Systems Journal, Forthcoming , Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1751765

Mary Beth Watson-Manheim

University of Illinois at Chicago ( email )

1200 W Harrison St
Chicago, IL 60607
United States

Katherine Chudoba

Utah State University ( email )

Logan, UT 84322
United States

Kevin Crowston (Contact Author)

Syracuse University - School of Information Studies ( email )

Hinds Hall 348
Syracuse, NY 13244
United States
+1 315 443-2911 (Phone)
+1 315 443-5806 (Fax)

HOME PAGE: http://ischool.syr.edu/