Participation in videoconferenced meetings: user disposition and meeting context

Although videoconferencing systems are increasingly becoming important in the support of geographically dispersed groups, there are few studies that identify the types of tasks that are most effectively performed within videoconferenced meetings. This study investigates the relationship between (a) technology quality and communication activity during videoconferenced meetings, and (b) the intention of participants to support subsequent meetings. The data consists of a sample (n=295) of participants in a group videoconferencing system trial conducted by twenty government departments and incorporated bodies. Meeting sessions involved real work activities chosen by each of the participating groups. The results show that perceptions about the quality of technology and the communication activity conducted during the session are significantly related to the intentions of participants to support the use of the technology. Contrary to what might have been presumed, the findings also sbow that a significant majority of the participating groups chose communication activities least suited to the processing capabilities of the videoconferencing media.