Asynchronous groupware support to process redesign groups: A field study of effects on group productivity and outcome quality

In this paper we describe a study of asynchronous groupware effects on outcome quality and productivity of process redesign groups. Seven groups were studied in two organisations. All groups followed the same group methodology, MetaProi, which comprises a process redesign meta-process with three stages process definition, analysis and redesign. The study indicates that asynchronous groupware support considerably increases group productivity by reducing group duration and the organisational cost of groups, and by allowing members to participate in several groups at the same time. The study also indicates a slight increase in group outcome quality. The causes for these results and their organisational implications are discussed.