A FORMAL MODEL FOR THE STUDY OF COMMUNICATION SUPPORT SYSTEMS

The lack of conceptual frameworks available for integrating research o n organizational computer-based communication technologies is document ed. An integrated model for studying communication support phenomena i n organizations is formalized from a knowledge management perspective using set-theoretic notation. Key constructs for understanding and exp loring communication support systems me identified, such as knowledge workers, knowledge management activities, communicate-abilities, and k nowledge management episodes. The implications associated with the ide ntification and formaIization of each of the foregoing constructs is d iscussed and further research avenues are explored. The model provides researchers and system deveIopers with a means of studying both human and computer-based knowledge workers in organizations. Two types of c ommunication support systems are defined.