How can technology transform organizational communication? This paper explores the intersection of theory, invention, and application in designing computer systems for organizational communication and management. It proposes a design theory that integrates technology and action, addressing a gap in the mainstream work on office systems. At the core of this approach is a theory of language as social action, which differs from traditional understandings of organizational dynamics. The authors examine the practical implications of this theory and assess its effectiveness in the design of The Coordinator, a workgroup productivity system widely used on personal computers. By relating theory to practical design, this paper offers valuable insights into creating systems that enhance organizational communication. It demonstrates how a deep understanding of language and social action can drive the development of effective, user-centered technology solutions. The study provides a view on the use of technology systems to improve organizational communication.
As a publication in ACM Transactions on Information Systems, this paper contributes to the journal's focus on the design, development, and evaluation of information systems. By exploring the role of language and social action in organizational communication, the study aligns with the journal's interest in understanding the impact of technology on human interaction. The paper's analysis of The Coordinator system provides a practical example of how information systems can be designed to enhance organizational productivity and communication.