Abstract

We report on an examination of work practice in a knowledge-based, document-intensive organisation and describe the role of paper in that work. We show how such an examination can provide a resource for (1) the determination of system design modifications that can be undertaken in the short term; (2) the determination of entirely new systems design requiring longer term research and development; and (3) helping to specify where paper will continue to be used in future document-related work practice. KEYWORDS paper, ethnography, knowledge work, diary study, collaboration, design, organisations, IMF INTRODUCTION For many years now the paperless office has been held out as the goal for organisations: with such an office, organisations will be able to create, distribute, store, and use information in new and more effective ways. Furthermore, organisational theorists explain that without paper, new organisational forms will emerge, curbing the shocking waste of wood pulp and the ever inc...

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