Surfacing assumptions behind work design for teleworkers : using focus groups and gss to enbale task analysis

Compilation of task inventories are used by many organisational researchers, usually using manually facilitated data gathering techniques. The task inventory is useful as a basis for identifying training requirements, documenting changes in work-related task performance, and in job classification studies. In this project the task inventory is used as a means to investigate telework practices amongst a group of knowledge workers. The use of Group [Decision] Support Systems (GSS) technologies is seen as one means of substantially improving the way in which tasks lists are compiled and authenticated. This application of a GSS is illustrated by reporting the results of fieldwork involving knowledge workers. The process gains are highlighted, and insight into the development of a task list as the basis for a task inventory is provided.