| This dissertation is a proof-of-concept development of a collaborative virtual space based on the Dialogue of David Bohm. Dialogue searches for the truth. Bohm believes this happens in non-goal-oriented collaborative communication. Bohm's dialogue is not related to goal-seeking since that forces limitations on the process; however, this research is conducted to be applicable to both non-goal-based and goal-based collaboration.;Bohmian dialogues have occurred as face-to-face meetings of people. Dispersed groups could benefit from the use of dialogues. This research is based on the essential constructs presented by Bohm (kernel theory) but is extended to resolve the geographical and temporal constraints inherent in Bohm's ideal. The ability to engage in a Bohmian dialogue with anyone that has access to the Internet is possible. The technology is robust enough to support this activity with the depth and breadth that is required in the Bohmian scheme. However, this study is not about outcomes from the dialogue, but rather about the process of creating a virtual space in which a dialogue can exist and flourish.;No suitable theory exists for the class of information system that is defined as a dispersed Bohmian dialogue. Therefore, this dissertation presents the design theory (after Walls, Widmeyer, and El Sawy, 1992) for the class of information system known as a dispersed Bohmian dialogue that stays true to the ideal that Bohm proffered whilst removing the constraints inherent in the face-to-face Bohmian dialogue. This design theory is presented as a set of guidelines and design and development principles that present the generalized information necessary for the construction and evaluation of a dispersed Bohmian dialogue.;The design theory identifies nine testable hypotheses. An instantiation (artifact) of the design theory was built using generally available wiki technology. The instantiation was evaluated through the lens of the nine testable hypotheses using observation, ethnographic methods, textual analysis, and a post hoc survey of the participants. The results of this analysis supported all nine of the testable hypotheses. There was evidence to support the additional question, "did a Bohmian dialogue take place?"... |
