A Taxonomy of Collaborative Writing to Improve Empirical Research, Writing Practice, and Tool Development

Abstract

This article provides a taxonomy of, nomenclature for, and discussion of issues related to collaborative writing. Our 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 sup- portive 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.