Planning for facilitation of virtual meetings : an activity theory-based framework

The Cultural-Historical Activity Theory (CHAT) framework is used to develop a conceptual model designed to aid the understanding of the facilitation process. Based on case study and interview data, the conceptual model described here can assist a facilitator to identify their own tacit knowledge, assist the facilitator with planning, and assist the facilitator and stakeholders with other issues around the meeting such as the technology, desired outcomes, and protocols to be used. The aim is to study the tacit/implicit knowledge used to facilitate face-to-face meetings, and use the CHAT based conceptual model to assist the planning and conduct of a facilitated virtual meeting. The conceptual model developed in this chapter is being used as part of an ongoing research program.