Overview – A Key Concept in Computer Support for Cooperative Work

Abstract

Computer supported cooperative work is often discussed with the (ocus on the computer. and consequently less emphasis is put on support for coopellltive worlc. By comparing system development and nursing, two cooperative work settings, we have faund thai overview - over work tasks, responsibilities and work objects - is an important aspect of work in both these occupations. Although overview, as a general and abstract notion. is important for both system developers and nurses. its concrete conlents varies considerably, due to differences in work tasks, worlc organization, and tradition. If computer systems represent an obstacle for achieving overview. they do not support cooperative work. Thus, computer systems can only support cooperative work to the extent they can be integrated in the existing information web that contributes to the achievement of overview in concrete work contexts.