Abstract
This article introduces the background of IM as an e-collaboration tool, discusses the utilization of IM in organizations for different e-collaboration tasks, includes solutions for pitfalls and concerns in IM enabled e-collaboration, and provides the future trend of IM for e-collaboration.
Key Terms in this Chapter
E-Collaboration: Electronic technologies that enable collaboration among individuals engaged in a common task.
Globalization: The growing interdependence of countries worldwide through increasing volume and variety of cross-border interactions and transactions in goods and services, free international capital flows, and more rapid and widespread diffusion of technology.
Virtual Workspace Technologies: An integrated set of tools that offer a variety of communication support capabilities including a well-organized and searchable common team repository and group discussion forums.
Media Richness: A classification of media based on its ability to carry nonverbal cues, provide rapid feedback, convey personality traits, and support the use of natural language.
Computer-Mediated Communication: A cluster of interpersonal communication systems used for conveying written text, generally over the Internet.
Instant Messaging: An Internet-based application that provides semi-synchronous communication between participants.