Grounding collaborative work support system research in theory: the case for procedural justice theory

Collaborative work support systems (CWSS) usage and research have proliferated. While many researchers have reported positive effects of CWSS use, findings have been inconsistent. Field studies have generally reported more positive findings than laboratory studies. Laboratory findings have been less positive and more inconsistent. Procedural justice theory concerns itself with how individual´s form perceptions of the fairness of the process by which group outcomes are determined. The theory may provide a theoretical basis for the explanation of conflicting research findings, a theory based explanation for the benefits associated with CWSS use, and may serve as the basis of a framework for a systematic program of research designed to assess how CWSS may best be designed and utilized by organizations