Electronic messaging and shared context in an ongoing work group

Using an in-depth multi-method field study of an ongoing workgroup, the author explored when and why electronic messaging (EM) was chosen by group members, and how that choice related to communication effectiveness. EM was effective when shared interpretive context was well-established, Where context was lacking, rich face-to-face communication was more effective. Additionally, communication was more effective when communicators chose the expected mode of communication in compliance with the group´s communication procedures and habits