Groupware: the next wave of office automation?

Notes that the phenomenon of office automation (OA) is continually evolving and that groupworking and computer‐supported co‐operative working, supported by groupware products such as Lotus Notes, are seen as the next phase in the OA saga. Explores the concept of the “office” in today’s changing business and technological environment, and further evaluates whether groupware can lead to truly flexible and co‐operative working by identifying some of the philosophical and managerial issues this topic raises.