Extending use of time studies

Abstract

'Use-of-time' studies, which have been popularized by H. Mintzberg (1973), have already told us a great deal about managerial and professional groupwork. The author discusses needs to extend use of time methodologies to tell us more. Time methodologies work like this: either an observer watches a manager working or the manager keeps a detailed diary and, for each activity event, a form is filled out listing purpose, type of activity (conference room meeting, letter writing, etc.), and other details-the result is a detailed view of how managers spend their time. The author explains how the use of such time studies reveals the need for groupware in particular as well as electronic mail, decision support and other group-oriented technologies.<>