The way in
which information systems are used in organisations has evolved over time.
While they were initially used primarily for information processing and for supporting
company centric efficiencies, they are now extensively used to share
information and to support collaboration both internally within an organization
and with external customers, suppliers and partners. While much IS research
heretofore has concentrated on how information systems facilitate information
processing and the decision making of individuals in an organisation, there is
a growing need within organisations to analyse and understand how information
systems facilitate both internal and external information sharing and
collaboration. This paper provides an overview of
activity theory and argues that this theory provides a holistic and insightful evaluation
methodology which will allow researchers to investigate how collaboration is
achieved through all elements of IS (people, process, technology). The key characteristics of activity theory that
underpin its suitability for researching collaboration through IS are outlined. Finally, a specific example of future research using this theory is described.