Controversy Around Groupware Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Controversy Around Groupware - Research Paper Example Groupware can be used to share ideas, to solve problems, to connect with global users, to share files, and for many other purposes. It is a highly effective technology for use in project management and problem-solving. Prior to selecting a particular software solution, a company needs to decide on its’ overall purpose. It is necessary to be as detailed as possible as to what kind of information-sharing is required and which people should be involved in the proposed project. â€Å"One primary problem has been identifying and measuring specific performance outcomes for diverse job categories† (OConnor, 1999). Time and money can easily be wasted when the needs of the project are not clearly outlined from the beginning. Once these primary considerations are decided upon, the project manager may select the proper application and get started. The manager of a group project may be surprised to find that users are sometimes not in agreement about using groupware applications. This may be because they are used to a specific way of doing things, they are concerned that their efforts will go unrewarded, that they are afraid of a stigma associated with their candid opinions, or any number of other reasons. Another problem which can arise from groupware is that users may find themselves sabotaging a project by veering off-topic or initiating conflicts with other users. Some groupware problems are very similar to the problems one can experience in a traditional group setting.