Mangrum-Fairley-Wieder2001
| Mangrum-Fairley-Wieder2001 | |
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| BibType | ARTICLE |
| Key | Mangrum-Fairley-Wieder2001 |
| Author(s) | Faye Gothard Mangrum, Michael S. Fairley, D. Lawrence Wieder |
| Title | Informal problem solving in the technology-mediated work place |
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| Tag(s) | EMCA, workplace studies, informal problem solving, focused gatherings, organizational communication, high-tech organizations |
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| Year | 2001 |
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| Journal | Journal of Business Communication |
| Volume | 38 |
| Number | 3 |
| Pages | 315–336 |
| URL | Link |
| DOI | 10.1177/002194360103800307 |
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Abstract
This paper reports the findings of a three-year ethnographic study of problem-solving activities in a high-tech computer manufacturing company. Contrary to the expressed belief that technology reduces the need for face-to-face interaction, we discovered that the mundane, commonplace, "informal" activities performed by employees are not only prevalent but also critical to the achievement of collaborative problem solving. We identify this recurrent form of interaction as informal problem solving (IPS) and offer a detailed conceptualization of its forms and functions in the organization. Goffinan's depiction of "focused gatherings," rather than traditional conceptions of small groups, is used to characterize the ad hoc, spontaneous manner of IPS meet ings that are often not affiliated with a formal meeting or formal group.
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