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Gibbs, and Rein (1991) describe a taxonomy based
on application-functionality and Coleman (1995)
also provides twelve categories of CTs in the same
domain. Mentzas (1993) classifies CTs' software
based on four major criteria: coordination model
characteristics, type of processing, decision sup-
port issues, and organizational environment.
This study focuses on a classification of CTs
based on the work of Nunamaker, Briggs, Mittle-
man, Vogel, and Balthazard (1997), DeSanctis and
Gallupe (1987) and Pinsonneault and Kraemer
(1990). In this sense, Table 1 shows that CTs
may be grouped into two types of systems: (1)
electronic communication systems (ECS), whose
purpose is to facilitate information exchange;
and (2) teamwork systems (TS), where teamwork
(processes and decision-making) is structured and
done. ECS aim at enabling relationships among
individuals or institutions, employees or custom-
ers, while TS' objective is to integrate information
and predefined work processes, as is the case
with workflow tools. According to the expected
frequency of use, the present study considers four
CTs (two for each category), namely, discussion
forums, repositories, shared databases, and docu-
ment management systems/workflows.
Discussion forums:
Due to their simplicity,
discussion forums have been one of the earliest
technologies for collaborative knowledge creation
and knowledge sharing (Wagner & Bolloju, 2005).
The subject is set and the discussion is carried on,
either with all participants online, or over time,
where anyone can share his or her opinion at any
time (Bafoutsou & Mentzas, 2002).
Repositories:
Valuable knowledge can be
collected and placed into repositories for use by
others (Gunnlaugsdottir, 2003). Document re-
positories are a collection of relevant documents
that list tacit and articulated knowledge from the
experts about the project using textual, picture,
and diagrammatic forms (Fernandes, Raja, &
Austin, 2005).
Shared databases:
They are databases whose
data may be consulted and modified by different
authorized users within a company or a team.
Shared databases are necessary to reduce or pre-
vent the repeated typing of data, but in addition
they supplement the system with a wealth of up-
date information, thus building the organizational
memory (Gunnlaugsdottir, 2003).
Document management systems/workflows:
Document management systems handle docu-
ments, storing them in a central server where
users can access and work on them. Occasionally,
there is a possibility for version control, search,
electronic signing, and access control (Bafoutsou
& Mentzas, 2002). Workflows may be defined as
the automation of a business process, in whole or
part, during which documents, information, or
tasks are passed from one participant to another
for action, according to a set of procedural rules
(WFMC, 2004). Thus, regarding process automa-
tion, workflows seem to be more advanced than
document management systems.
Table 1. Collaborative technologies classification
Electronic communication systems (ECS)
Teamwork systems (TS)
They support the exchange of information, documents,
and opinions.
Concept
Work is done through them.
Aim
Relationship
Integration
Workflows/ Document management
systems; Project management; Shared
databases;
Group decision support systems
Email; Discussion forums; Repositories;
Tools
Yellow pages (experts directories)
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