Implications of space and time for distributed work: an interpretive study of US-Norwegian systems development teams

Received: 27 April 2002 Revised: 19 August 2003 2 Revision: 27 November 2003 Accepted: 4 December 2003 Abstract In this paper, utilizing the often taken-for-granted notions of space and time, we develop an understanding of how collaboration is possible among virtual team-members spread across the globe. We do so by interpretively examining the actual experiences and work practices of virtual team-members located in the US & Norway, engaged in information systems development (ISD) projects. We identify a number of collaboration inhibitors, along with strategies used by team-members to address the challenges posed by the mismatch in time zones and the lack of physical proximity. European Journal of Information Systems (2004) 13, 3–20. doi:10.1057/palgrave. ejis.3000485