Computer-Mediated Communication and Innovation: Do Communication Media Properties Influence Innovative Thinking Processes?

摘要

This paper concerns potential impacts that characteristics of communication media in computer-mediated problem solving groups have on group-members' innovative thinking. Different processes involved in effective idea generation and problem solving are presented, and we discuss how three characteristics of communication media relevant for group collaboration aiming at producing innovative ideas might influence the group process. A research model is presented, and hypotheses regarding the effects of affordances on innovative thinking are put forth. We finally describe a possible methodological approach that might be applied in order to test the proposed hypotheses.