The Connectivity Conundrum.

Abstract

We argue that (1) enterprise collaborative platforms are conducive to the creation of hyper-connective work environments that foster connectivity with respect to (a) access to an exhaustive amount of content, conversation and metadata (everything), (b) access to an exhaustive circle of team-members (everyone) as well as (c) access to information in real-time (anytime). Furthermore, we suggest that (2) collaborative tools foster expectations and behavioral norms for specific representations of work and working which are characteristic to hyper-connective work environments. Against this backdrop we argue that (3) hyper-connective collaboration tools extend the focus from the final outcome of work to include the intimate process of working as well. We further posit, that this increased focus on of the work process is indicative of a chasm between the essence and the representation of work and working in hyper-connective work environments.