| This research describes the application of Jürgen Habermas' theory of communicative action to channel expansion theory. Channel expansion, from a critical perspective, was determined through an increasing number of challenged validity claims leading to a resolution in communication breakdowns. This research provides a new definition of channel expansion, an exploration of the relationships leading toward channel expansion, and a reconstruction of channel expansion process through tenets of the theory of communicative action. Further extending the examination of channel expansion theory, the normative technology characteristics of the communication channel were strengthened through the application of the theory of task-technology fit.; Through descriptive and interpretive analyses, support for both channel expansion theory and the theory of task-technology fit is provided. Extended beyond its original perspective, the process of channel expansion was evident through dialogue generated by virtual groups across a six-week period. As groups entered social actions, challenged validity claims, entered communication breakdowns and achieved subsequent resolutions, channel expansion was expressed. Also extended beyond its original perspective, the theory of task-technology fit impacted the process of channel expansion from the foundational components of channel expansion to challenged validity claims to the resolution of communication breakdowns. |
