Email allows a group to be disperse but frequent in its communication. On the other hand, electronic communication in large groups is often conducted through distribution lists and mailboxes, which can make the communication rigid and formal. This can reinforce the hierarchical structure of the organization. The context for which email is used may determine which one of these two possible effects occurs. Tasks and roles individuals play are among the factors contributing to the overall context for which email is used.
Nonroutine tasks are less predictable and require creativity.
A team structure is required when the task is complex and demands innovativeness. The roles of senders and receivers as users and developers may also determine structure. Task Group maintenance, resource management and design were the three tasks considered in this study. These tasks were particularly interesting because they constitute the three core tasks of the Soar group. The Daft and Macintosh instrument consists of a 5 item scale each for task analyzability and task variety.