Mobility: An Extended Perspective

Masao Kakihara, Carsten Sørensen

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingArticle in proceedingsResearchpeer-review

Abstract

The emergence and convergence of information and communication technologies (ICTs) are fundamentally transforming the use of technology, and in particular concerning the issues of mobility. The current debates on mobility, however, almost exclusively consist of functionalist analyses of how particular mobile technologies can alleviate geographical barriers for human activity. This paper reconsiders, from a theoretical perspective, the concept of mobility. We argue that mobility should not exclusively be linked to human corporeal travel. The concept also relates more broadly to the interaction people perform. In order to appreciate the relationship between mobility and human interaction, three interrelated dimensions are discussed-spatial, temporal, and contextual aspects of mobility. In order to characterize the social topology of ICT supported mobilized interaction, we suggest and discuss the adoption of a fluid metaphor. Based on these discussions, a case of a new mobile technology system introduced in a Japanese distribution service firm is discussed.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 35th Annual Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences, HICSS 2002
EditorsRalph H. Sprague Jr.
Number of pages11
Place of PublicationLos Alamitos, CA
PublisherIEEE
Publication date2002
Pages1756-1766
ISBN (Print)0769514359, 0769514367
ISBN (Electronic)0769514375
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2002
Externally publishedYes
EventThe 35th Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences. HICSS 2002 - Big Island, United States
Duration: 7 Jan 200210 Jan 2002
Conference number: 35

Conference

ConferenceThe 35th Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences. HICSS 2002
Number35
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityBig Island
Period07/01/200210/01/2002
SeriesProceedings of the Annual Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences
ISSN1530-1605

Keywords

  • Air transportation
  • Communications technology
  • Fabrics
  • Humans
  • Information systems
  • Personal digital assistants
  • Power generation economics
  • Rail transportation
  • Topology
  • Traffic control

Cite this