Applying small group theory to analysis and design of CSCW systems

Abstract

This paper introduces a social psychological theory - Small Groups as Complex Systems - as a contribution to software engineering and more specifically, design of CSCW systems. Small Group Theory is composed of local dynamics which model the internal view of a group; global dynamics that represent whole group emergent properties; and contextual dynamics that model the influences of the group's environment on its composition, coherence and behaviour. The potential contribution of Small Group Theory to the design of CSCW systems is investigated by model-based analysis of group members, supporting technology, and design principles motivated by the theory. Copyright ACM.