The Information Management Public Lectures give attention to exciting advances in research and professional practice. The topics are diverse reflecting the importance and global extent of Information Management in today’s society. The lectures are open to all members of the Dalhousie campus and surrounding community. When feasible, recordings of the lectures are posted here for wider circulation. For the full schedule, visit the Public Lecture page of our website.
Are We Smarter Together? Examining Effective Collaboration in Groups
Dr. Sandra Toze
School of Information Management, Dalhousie University
Lecture Details
Tuesday, March 17th, 2015 from 1:00pm-2:00pm
Room 3089, Kenneth C. Rowe Management Building, 6100 University Avenue
Abstract
Collaboration is considered a key mechanism for solving complex and wicked problems. At the heart of collaboration is the assumption that many brains will generate more innovative and creative solutions – that we are “smarter” together. In reality, groups do not always achieve their potential, and in extreme cases groups make disastrous decisions. We still do not fully understand why some groups succeed and others fail. This talk will examine a key aspect of group work – how and when groups, working on multiple tasks over time, identify their information needs, find and use information. An information behaviour lens is used to deconstruct group work flow to identify points where information breakdowns commonly occur. Suggestions for better tools and processes to facilitate more effective collaboration during group work will be discussed.
Biography
Dr. Sandra Toze is an Assistant Professor at the School of Information Management, in the Faculty of Management at Dalhousie University. Her research interests focus on understanding the ways in which the modern workplace is being transformed through innovative information practices facilitated by technology and increased collaboration. Her recently completed PhD research examines how groups find and integrate information to accomplish complex tasks and was supported by GRAND (Graphics, Animation and New Media) a National Centre of Excellence and NECTAR (The Network for Effective Collaboration Technologies through Advanced Research). Dr. Toze is currently a collaborator in a SSHRC-funded Partnership Development Grant investigating Digital Governance – Transforming Government Practice for the Digital Era.