The effect of user involvement on system acceptance : the development, maintenance and drifting of a groupware system

Every large groupware project includes by necessity many different users. The top-down approach of the 80s and 90s is changing towards a more user centered approach. What implications does a focus on user involvement have on system acceptance of groupware systems? By looking at Jonathan Grudin’s “Eight Challenges for Developers†, this thesis will analyze a modern groupware system compared to his recommendations for more user involvement. Some social issues will be analyzed within social capital theory, and the thesis is written within the MOSCITO Project. My study shows positive results of user involvement, but also the importance of management involvement and a good structured process. In accordance with some of Grudin’s views, some groupware traps are avoided by integration into the everyday system. A positive work community may also be a factor of failure and success on system acceptance