Toward integrated support of synchronous and asynchronous communication in cooperative work: an empirical study of real group communication

Abstract

This paper analyzes the role of the two communication modes in cooperative work: synchronous and asynchronous. While it is natural and indispensable that both modes be used together, most existing groupware handles only one or the other, which reduces the effectiveness of cooperation. This hypothesis is confirmed by defining an argument model that uses the concept of cooperative effects and using it to analyze a decision-making discussion consisting of both synchronous face-to-face meetings and asynchronous electronic mail meetings. Several discussion characteristics using both modes are identified and the need for and the requirements for an integrated support system are clarified.