Electronic coordination and collective action: use and effects of electronic calendaring and scheduling

The electronic calendar is a relatively simple ICT application that can have positive contributions to the coordination of activities in organizations. In this study, the realization of these benefits is analyzed in terms of collective action. Two kinds of benefits are distinguished: connectivity (an increased ability to reach other members of the organization) and communality (more information on time, location, and activities of coworkers). A theoretical model is developed and tested explaining the use and effects of electronic calendaring. It is found that collective use of the calendar (i.e. using the system for interpersonal coordination) is crucial to the realization of the benefits, and that the coordination benefits themselves are interrelated. Use and effects of electronic calendar are found to be dependent on a combination of task, user, and system characteristics.