Building a Taxonomy and Nomenclature of Collaborative Writing to Improve Interdisciplinary Research and Practice

TLDR

Collaborative writing requires a consistent nomenclature and taxonomy, and effective group awareness, participation, and coordination—supported by software, chat, meetings, and group processes—are critical for successful outcomes. The article aims to develop a taxonomy and nomenclature for collaborative writing, discuss related issues, and thereby advance research, improve academic and industry application, and guide technology development. The authors define key terms and construct a taxonomy covering activities, strategies, control modes, work modes, and roles in collaborative writing.

Abstract

This article provides a taxonomy of, nomenclature for, and discussion of issues related to collaborative writing. The goal is to enhance its research, improve its application in academia and industry, and help produce technologies that better support collaborative writing. To write collaboratively and build supportive technologies, practitioners and academics need to use a consistent nomenclature and taxonomy of collaborative writing. This article defines key collaborative writing terms and builds a taxonomy, including collaborative writing activities, strategies, control modes, work modes, and roles. This article stresses that effective choices in group awareness, participation, and coordination are critical to successful collaborative writing outcomes, and that these outcomes may be promoted through collaborative writing software, chat software, face-to-face meetings, and group processes.