Research

Social richness, socio-technical tension and the virtual commissioning of NHS research

Philip A Morgan^{* 1} , Christine A McCourt^{* 2} and Penny Youll^{* 3}

¹Post-Doctoral Research Fellow, Centre for Research and Implementation of Clinical Practice, Faculty of Health and Human Sciences, Thames Valley University, 32-38 Uxbridge Road, Ealing, London, W5 2BS, UK

²Professor of Health and Social Sciences, Head of Post Graduate School, Thames Valley University, 32-38 Uxbridge Road, Ealing, London, W5 2BS, UK

³Senior Researcher, Evaluation and Development Unit, The Tavistock Institute, 30 Tabernacle Street, London, EC2A 4UE, UK

author email corresponding author email* Contributed equally

Health Research Policy and Systems 2007, 5:8doi:10.1186/1478-4505-5-8

Published:	6 June 2007

Abstract

Background

This paper draws on a recent study that evaluated the process of commissioning NHS funded research using virtual committees. Building on an earlier paper that reported our evaluation, here we focus on the effects of asynchronous computer mediated communication (CMC) when used to support group work.

Methods

To do this the discussion focuses on how CMC affected three key group factors, building relationships, group cohesion and group commitment. The notion of socio-technical tension is elaborated and the paper explores how social richness can act to counter the socially impoverishing and time extending effects of asynchronous CMC.

Results

We argue that social richness in this context results from the presence of five principal influences. These are: a dynamic range of participant aspirations and personal agendas; participant commitment to and identification with the work and ideals of the group; a rich diversity of social, professional and work-related backgrounds; a website designed to enhance participation and interaction and the mediating effects of an effective chairperson.

Conclusion

If virtual work groups are to be used by the NHS in the future, then there is a need for more research into the role of social context and its relationship to the effectiveness of newly formed virtual groups. Equally as important are studies that examine the effects of socio-technical interaction on groups undertaking tasks in the real world of work.