Emergent user roles and perceived requirements in a social‐oriented community

Abstract

Purpose

To explore the relationship between emergent user roles and perceived importance of user requirements in a social‐oriented community.

Design/methodology/approach

A field study was designed to uncover hidden online social networks, and to elicit and rate user requirements.

Findings

User roles might have an impact on their perceptions of requirements. The study showed that significant differences of perceptual requirements on regulation and links exist across user roles.

Research limitations/implications

Only a small‐sized online community (approximately 300 members) participated in this study. One‐quarter of the population filled out the online survey.

Practical implications

Online community builders should invite a handful of different user roles to participate in the design and evolutionary processes of information systems.

Originality/value

The paper challenges popular views about the design of online communities.

Citation

Tang, J. and Yang, H. (2006), "Emergent user roles and perceived requirements in a social‐oriented community", Library Review, Vol. 55 No. 8, pp. 508-519. https://doi.org/10.1108/00242530610689356