Abstract

Organizational innovation depends heavily on whether or not communication processes are regulated. Furthermore, social networks represent content-based connectivity of actors in opposition to formal organization. Communication technologies such as e-mail make it possible to continuously maintain the establishment and preserve social networks. Enhancing cooperation in team working processes are the benefits of social networks in dynamic organizations. This article reports on four case studies which focused on teamwork and the structural analysis of e-mail as a communication technology in a mobile phone company. The case studies reveal the impact of computer supported social networks which became mainly apparent through changes in personal communication styles and the establishment of alternative hierarchies in electronic environments.