Computer-supported cooperative work (CSCW) is the study, design, and use of computer technology that enables and enriches group work. While the term "CSCW" may not be commonly known in organizations, CSCW is increasingly a common part of the work world. Factors contributing to the importance of CSCW to contemporary organizations include the following:

• Pervasiveness of networked personal computers.
• Availability of high-bandwidth data transmission and high-quality multimedia.
• The need for more work to be done by fewer employees due to downsizing, shortage of skilled labor, and increasing competition among organizations.
• Decentralization of organizations, with employees and offices working together from different locations.

While research and design work on what were essentially CSCW systems began in the 1960s, it was not until 1984 that the term computer-supported cooperative work was coined. At that time it was used as the title for a conference convened to study issues...