Evolving Cooperation when Introducing Groupware: A Self-Organization Perspective

The introduction of groupware into organizations impacts the existing patterns of cooperation. Applying the theory of self-organizing social systems, we try to gain insights into these introduction processes. We look at Maturana’s theory of autopoietic systems and show how Luhmann has drawn on it for the analysis of social systems. In the following, we present case studies of evolving cooperation when introducing groupware into two organizations of the political administration. Using the theory of self-organizing social systems, we analyze these case studies. It turns out that evolution, technical flexibility, and participation are important factors when introducing groupware into organizations.