Technology support for virtual collaboration for innovation in synchronous and asynchronous interaction modes

This dissertation presents a new theory of collaborative technology (CT) support for virtual collaboration for innovation, that explains the differential effects CT support has on learning and innovation in synchronous vs. asynchronous interaction modes. Virtual collaboration for innovation is defined as the interaction of individuals from distinct knowledge domains, separated by time and space, and in which they share and combine their knowledge to develop and implement creative ideas. Synchronous and asynchronous are the two virtual interaction modes in which individuals collaborate, and are differentiated by the immediate or delayed ability to share knowledge and give and receive feedback. Each interaction mode, I argue, has different characteristics which increase the cognitive complexity associated with sharing diverse knowledge (sharing) and reflecting on others' shared knowledge (reflection), and in each mode individuals have different opportunities for realizing learning and innovation outcomes from sharing and reflection.; Building on the theory of perspective making and perspective taking (Boland & Tenkasi 1995), I developed a new theory based on these interaction mode differences which explains how collaboration across a cycle of both interaction modes leads to learning and innovation and which accounts for the tension between sharing diverse knowledge and attaining common ground needed to understand others' diverse knowledge; it explains the multi-dimensional role of CT support for enabling four strategies from Te'eni (2001) for reducing cognitive complexity in virtual collaboration for innovation, each of which is useful in different interaction modes to facilitate the different cognitions of sharing and reflection; it clarifies existing paradoxes regarding the role of CT support in virtual work, such as whether or not contributions should be anonymous or attributable; and it justifies the value of CT support for creating successful innovation in organizational contexts.