Relational Work in Synchronous Text-Based CMC of Virtual Teams

Author(s):  
Erika Darics

Based on close examinations of instant message (IM) interactions, this chapter argues that an interactional sociolinguistic approach to computer-mediated language use could provide explanations for phenomena that previously could not be accounted for in computer-mediated discourse analysis (CMDA). Drawing on the theoretical framework of relational work (Locher, 2006), the analysis focuses on non-task oriented talk and its function in forming and establishing communication norms in the team, as well as micro-level phenomena, such as hesitation, backchannel signals and emoticons. The conclusions of this preliminary research suggest that the linguistic strategies used for substituting audio-visual signals are strategically used in discursive functions and have an important role in relational work.

2013 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-35 ◽  
Author(s):  
Irit Kupferberg ◽  
Izhak Gilat

The study focuses on the discursive self-construction of suicidal help seekers in an open computer-mediated forum for mental help. Our theoretical framework is inspired by a functionalist approach to discourse, which emphasizes that language resources are selfdisplaying. It also espouses discursive psychology, which prioritizes the study of psychological and social phenomena in discursive processes. In addition, we adopt the Four World Approach to the analysis of positioning. Qualitative and quantitative analyses show that the density of ‘irrealis’ (i.e. negation, future and wishes) units and figurative forms was significantly higher in the suicidal messages compared with the messages of other troubled selves, who produced more ‘realis’ units (i.e. specific and generic stories) and information questions. We interpret these findings as showing that in their attempt to conceptualize conflict and pain, suicidal help-seekers shied away from the narration of past experience and focused instead on the construction of death. The other troubled help seekers used realis units and questions in order to describe their experience to guarantee that help would be provided.


2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kris M Markman ◽  
Sae Oshima

This study compares emoticon usage in English with thetext-based Japanese version, kaomoji ("face-marks"). We analyze a corpus of CMD drawn from English andJapanese sources at the micro-level using an approach modeled on Conversation Analysis. Japanese kaomoji were chosen because they are an understudied phenomenon in the CMD research and because they vary quite dramatically from English emoticons, in both their construction and in their variety (Katsuno & Yano, 2002; Nishimura, 2003). Overall, we found that emoticons and kaomoji serve primarily as punctuating devices within text-based conversations. As such, they clarify the structure of messages, generally by appearing at the close of phrases, sentences, or messages.


Author(s):  
Kristie Edwards ◽  
Simeon Yates ◽  
Anne-Florence Dujardin ◽  
Geff Green

A healthy balance between social and task-oriented activities helps teamwork. In virtual teams, e-mail texts must often carry both task-oriented and socio-emotional communication between individuals. While some theories of computer-mediated communication suggest socio-emotional exchange may not be well supported in e-mail communications, research demonstrates that individuals, nevertheless, achieve this. However, the lack of unplanned informal exchanges in virtual teams communicating by e-mail may still hinder team performance. We compared adaptations in socio-emotional content of e-mail communications in academic and commercial team writing contexts. Results suggested a task-oriented focus in the commercial team culture and an even social-task balance in the academic team culture. Our research leads us to recommend a more conversational style in professional e-mail writing. Additionally in virtual team working, we recommend encouraging face-to-face contact, allocating time specifically for social exchanges and making information about colleagues available to each other.


2018 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 169
Author(s):  
Aceng Ruhendi Saifullah

Dalam dekade terakhir, kajian tentang  relasi bahasa, media, dan teknologi komunikasi telah menjadi kajian lintas disiplin yang menarik  perhatian para ahli dari berbagai disiplin ilmu. Lebih khusus, dalam kaitannya dengan kajian wacana  di Internet, penggunaan bahasa di Internet  dipandang sebagai pertanda lahirnya “new genre” sekaligus sebagai the state of the art dalam kajian wacana, yang dikenal sebagai kajian computer mediated discourse analysis (CMDA).  Dalam konteks perkembangan itu, kajian ini dimaksudkan untuk merumuskan model  analisis relasi bahasa dan Internet berbasis CMDA. Pertanyaannya, “sejauh mana paradigma CMDA  dapat dirumuskan sebagai model pengembangan analisis relasi bahasa dan Internet. Kajian ini menemukan, bahwa ragam bahasa di Internet tidak sepenuhnya menunjukkan ciri-ciri ragam tulis, akan tetapi cenderung menunjukkan ciri-ciri “ragam lisan yang dituliskan”. Di samping itu, ditemukan pula, bahwa konteks media dan konteks situasi komunikasi tampak berpengaruh secara signifikan dalam menentukan makna suatu tuturan di Internet.  Dengan demikian, paradigma CMDA dalam kajian wacana di Internet tampak relevan digunakan, terutama untuk mengindentifikasi ragam bahasa dan makna tuturan di Internet.Kata kunci: konteks media; konteks situasi komunikasi; Internet; computer mediated discourse analysis (CMDA)In the last decade, the study of language relations, media, and communications technology has become an interdisciplinary study that attracts the attention of experts from various disciplines. More specifically, in relation to the study of discourse on the Internet, the use of language on the Internet is seen as a sign of the birth of "new genre" as well as the state of the art in discourse studies, known as computer mediated discourse analysis (CMDA). In the context of this development, this study is intended to formulate models of analysis of language and Internet relationships based on CMDA. The question centers on the extent to which the CMDA paradigm can be formulated as a model for the development of language and Internet relation analysis. This study reveals that the variety of languages on the Internet does not fully show the characteristics of writing, but tends to show the characteristics of "written verbal". In addition, the analysis showed that the context of the media and the context of the communication situation seemed to have a significant effect on determining the meaning of a speech on the Internet. Thus, the CMDA paradigm in the study of discourse on the Internet seems relevant to use, especially to identify the variety of languages and meanings of speech on the Internet.Keywords: media context; context of communication situation; Internet; computer mediated discourse analysis (CMDA)


2016 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 62-81 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eliel Melon ◽  
Yair Levy ◽  
Laurie P. Dringus

While the Internet is a major business tool nowadays, individuals are still challenged to form teams and collaboration virtually. To evaluate the success of team formation in a virtual setting, this research study assessed the role of different computer-mediated communications (CMC) employed on the success of team formation measured by task performance (TP), team cohesiveness (TC), computer skills (CS) and social bond (SB), while assessing the differences on such relationships when controlled for gender, age, education level, academic major, as well as academic year. This research used analysis of variance (ANOVA) and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) to address the hypotheses proposed. Using three teams and 140 participants, the results indicated that there is a significance difference in the role of CMC levels employed on the level of perception of CS in team formation. Also, there is a significance difference in the role of CMC levels employed on the levels of TP, when controlled for gender. In addition, there is a significance difference in the role of CMC levels employed (No-CMS/F2F, OLS, & OLS+SNS) on the levels of CS, when controlled for education, academic major and academic year. The results of this study contribute to the body of knowledge by helping organizations identify ways to support effective team formations.


2020 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 51-77
Author(s):  
Jessica Kahlow ◽  
Hanna Klecka ◽  
Erin Ruppel

Conflict has been a topic widely studied in communication and management studies literature. How groups handle conflict can affect group performance, satisfaction, and commitment (Martínez-Moreno, González-Navarro, Zornoza, & Ripoll, 2009; Pazos, 2012; Staples & Webster, 2007; Workman, 2007). Much of this literature focuses on online, task-oriented work groups, and how these groups differ from face-to-face (F2F) groups. However, hybrid groups (i.e., those that work both F2F and online) are increasingly common. To better understand conflict in hybrid groups, we review 68 articles regarding online, hybrid, and F2F groups that highlight the differences between F2F and online groups and consider what these differences mean for hybrid groups. In doing so, we identify several emergent themes related to how conflict is managed in online and hybrid groups. The literature suggests that there are many benefits to online and hybrid groups, such as the ability to assemble more diverse teams and work asynchronously, but that conflict is also more common in online than F2F groups. Strong norms and leadership behaviors that encourage trust and cohesion appear to reduce conflict and its effects on group performance and decision making, especially in online groups. These findings suggest that in hybrid groups, F2F meetings might be used to quickly establish group norms, trust, and cohesion, which can then improve online group interactions. However, more research is needed to understand how conflict occurs and is managed in hybrid groups. Future communication research should focus on examining conflict management in hybrid groups using computer-mediated communication perspectives.


Author(s):  
Linda Reneland-Forsman

AbstractThe interactive potential of computer-mediated communication has proved more difficult to realize than expected. This study tries to break away from the normative status of speech underlining computer-mediated communication by asking how social talk is manifested in Web-based learning environments. The asynchronous communication of 55 students during a study period of 18 weeks was examined using mediated discourse analysis. The students were training as pre-school teachers in a four-year program. Their ability to create a group culture seemed significant for how they developed group autonomy and were able to handle unexpected incidents or a loose framing. The communication between the students was in narrative format and was lengthy in character; trust and confidence were dropped off as part of a constant construction of group culture. These students did not adopt or develop known means of compensating for the loss of nonverbal clues. There were indications of sharing private concerns and information from other practices in life as a conditional aspect of participation. When having troubles to cope, it was the youngest students who failed.


2015 ◽  
pp. 127-151 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan C. Herring ◽  
Jannis Androutsopoulos

Author(s):  
Asta Zelenkauskaite

This study illustrates advantages and applications of a mixed-method approach that includes quantitative computer-mediated discourse analysis (CMDA) and automated analysis of content frequency. To evaluate these methodologies, audience comments consisting of Facebook comments and SMS mobile texting to Italian radio-TV station RTL 102.5 were analyzed. Blended media contents through computer-mediated discourse analysis expand horizons for theoretical and methodological audience analysis research in parallel to established audience analysis metrics.


Author(s):  
Kevin R. Guidry ◽  
Laura A. Pasquini

This case study focuses on Twitter as an informal learning tool. Specifically, the authors examine user-created Twitter chats using one specific chat, #sachat, as a case study. #sachat is a weekly one-hour chat held on Twitter and populated by higher education professionals in the field of student affairs (e.g. college admissions, advising, housing, new student orientation). The authors contrast this chat with other ways in which student affairs and higher education professionals are using Twitter. Using methods of computer-mediated discourse analysis, they then discover and elicit defining characteristics of #sachat. Finally, the authors offer thoughts on why this chat seems to be successful as an informal learning resource, how it compares to other uses of Twitter by professionals, and implications for other communities interested in using Twitter or similar tools to create informal learning.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document