'Invisible Whispering': Instant Messaging in Meetings

Julie Rennecker Case Western Reserve University, USA

Alan R. Dennis Indiana University, USA

Sean Hansen Case Western Reserve University, USA

Abstract
We use Goffman’s characterization of "front" and "backstage" interaction practices to analyze how the use of instant messaging in both face-to-face and technology-mediated meetings alters the spatial, temporal, and social configurations of meetings. In an interview study of workers in two organizations, we found that workers used instant messaging during face-to-face meetings and telephone conference calls (1) to participate concurrently in "front" and "backstage" interactions, (2) to participate in multiple, concurrent, "backstage" conversations, and (3) to manage and influence front stage activities through concurrent backstage conversations. These interactions would be either physically impossible or socially constrained without the use of instant messaging. We draw on psychology, GSS, and communication studies to consider the implications for group work.

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Reference:	Rennecker, J., Dennis, A.R., Hansen, S. (2005). "'Invisible Whispering': Instant Messaging in Meetings," Case Western Reserve University, USA . Sprouts: Working Papers on Information Systems, 5(24). http://sprouts.aisnet.org/5-24
Keywords:	Instant Messaging, IM, Computer-Mediated Communication, CMC, Collaboration, Interaction Boundaries, Goffman
Item Type:	Article - Volume 5 Article 24 (2005)
Language:	English
Email:	Alan R. Dennis (ardennis@indiana.edu)

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