Car Racing and Instant Messaging: Task Constraints as Determinants of E-Collaboration Technology Usefulness

This article reports on a study of instant messaging in the field of racecar driving, from the perspective of task constraints as determinants of e-collaboration technology. The author notes that previous research has determined that e-collaboration phenomena are more complex than originally predicted and may need new theoretical frameworks. In this study, task constraints are presented as strong determinants of the identification of best fit between e-collaboration technologies and tasks. An illustrative example is provided of a NASCAR and Indy car racing team’s use of instant messaging over a wireless network during races. The author focuses on theories that place emphasis on the surfacing of task constraints as a basis for the selection and use of supporting e-collaboration technologies.