Structuring Interaction in Open Collective Work: A Sensemaking Perspective on Ontologies

One core problem in open collective work environments is posed by ambiguity. In both organization science and information systems, approaches have been developed to mitigate this issue. Sensemaking research explains the problem with a rich vocabulary, but does not offer tools or solutions. Extant knowledge on ontologies offers such a tool, but implies a rigid and top-down view on the creation and interaction on these artifacts. In our research, we will establish how these two disparate approaches help to better understand how ambiguity in open collective work can be reduced. In particular the use for discourse mapping is estimated to influence open collective work.