Information technology support for shared task performance within an office environment

Professional efficacy is strongly influenced by the quality and quantity of relevant and accessible information. This in turn is frequently dependent upon interaction with colleagues. The paper describes an investigation into the use of information and the ways in which individuals manage information in office environments. The study was conducted to inform the development of devices which support office-based information management, and looks in detail at the information exchange and information management activities which take place between managers and their personal assistants (PAs). The focus of the study was to determine the extent to which these professionals share a common understanding of frequently-performed and ubiquitous office tasks. As many information and communication devices are intended to augment information management and information exchange, it is suggested that understanding how workers jointly perceive tasks will be useful in the design and development of those devices. Initial findings of the study indicate that there is considerable variation in the interpretation and understanding of a number of everyday office activities, and that this should be reflected in the design of devices which seek to incorporate facilities for information management and exchange