Humans hold the key to collaboration no matter how good the software tools

The metaverse currently looks like it’s in a distinctly beta phase when it comes to being used for collaboration, notwithstanding that the global market is predicted to grow by 50% by 2029. — Image by Lifestylememory on Freepik

The universal working assumption is that productivity depends on collaboration, but there’s no agreement on what’s the best way to achieve it. While the market for digital tools, platforms, teleconferencing and software to facilitate collaboration is worth nearly US$20bil (RM88.35bil), technology alone isn’t the answer. In the end, it’s about the humans, not the machines.

For one, the understanding of teamwork predates the widespread use of office technology. Bruce Tuckman and Mary Jensen wrote a model of group development back in 1977. Their five-stage “forming, storming, norming, performing and adjourning” process still stands as key to designing the iterative process of collaboration.