Cultural Universality Versus Particularity in CMC

Cultural factors are often identified as a crucial influence on the success or failure of information systems in general or computer-mediated communication (CMC) in particular. Several authors have suggested ways in which management can accommodate these factors or solve the problem they pose. This paper attempts to go one step beyond management measures and ask whether there is a theoretical foundation on which one can base the mutual influence of culture and CMC. In order to find such a theoretical basis the paper discusses the question whether there are aspects of culture that are universal or whether culture is always particular. In the course of this discussion the concept of culture is defined and its relationship with technology is analysed. As a solution the paper suggests a Habermasian approach to culture which sees a universal background to particular cultures in the structure of communication which creates and sustains culture. The paper then tries to give an outlook how such a Habermasian theory of culture can enable designers and users of CMC to reflect on their activity and improve the quality and reach of CMC.