Explicit and Implicit Structuring of Genres: Electronic Communication in a Japanese R&D Organization

A study of a Japanese R&D group using a new electronic medium identified two contrasting patterns of media use: one involving explicit structuring of community genre norms, and one involving implicit structuring of local genre norms. These patterns provide initial explanations for how people begin to use new electronic media and how their use changes over time. We believe that the two patterns can serve as initial and suggestive archetypes for helping researchers and practitioners in their design, introduction, and ongoing management of new communication media.