Computer-supported Cooperative Work - Advantages of CSCW

Advantages of CSCW

While CSCW working environments certainly face challenges, they also provide many advantages as well. For instance, teams that work together asynchronously provide members with the luxury to contribute when they want, from the location of their choosing, thus eliminating the need for members to “synchronize schedules.” CSCW also allows employees with specific expertise to be a part of teams without the concern of geographic restraints.”

CSCW can also result in major cost savings to companies who implement virtual teams and allow employees to work at home by eliminating the need for travel, rented office space, parking, electricity office equipment, etc. Conversely, from the employee’s perspective, commuting costs and time associated with communing are also eliminated.

Further, research has shown that the use of multiple communication threads can increase group participation and contribution from more team members and foster a less egalitarian communication structure. Along the same lines, text-based CSCW communication, such as email, allows users to keep a record of communication and can promote long-term collaboration and learning through observing others.