As a scholar, I study the design of information technologies and their impact on human behaviors. In my research, I draw insights from social science theories to explore and evaluate novel design features and to understand how new technologies or design features influence human behaviors. Over the years, I have studied a wide variety of phenomena such as virtual teams, online groups, business use of social media, and most recently human AI interaction and collaboration. I employ a wide variety of methods, including agent-based modeling, lab and field experiments, interviews, surveys, machine learning, and statistical analyses.
My research is programmatic, interdisciplinary, and integrates theory and empirics. To gain a deeper understanding of a phenomenon, I often study the same phenomena via different theoretical lenses and using different methods. My research bridges across multiple disciplines, not only my home discipline of information systems but also related disciplines in computer science and organization science. I have published in both top information systems journals and top journals in management and computer science.
My research on online communities and Wikipedia collaboration has been supported by two large National Science Foundation grants. I have received multiple awards, including the Allen Newell Research Award for my work on designing online communities.
My ongoing research projects examine (1) the impact of Generative AI on worker experiences and well-being, including autonomy and efficacy; (2) the concept of AI proficiency or what differentiates workers in their capabilities to work effectively with Generative AI tools; (3) the factors that may affect the degree to which human users interact mindfully with smartphones, particularly among young people and professional workers.
Books
· Kraut, R. E., Resnick, P., with Kiesler, S., Burke, M., Chen, Y., Kittur, N., Konstan, J., Ren, Y., Riedl, J. Building Successful Online Communities: Evidence-Based Social Design. Boston, MA: MIS Press. [Amazon Link]
Journal Articles
· Ren, Y., Clement, J. 2024. “Augmenting Human Teams with Robots in Knowledge Work Settings: Insights from the Literature.” ACM Transactions on Human-Robot Interaction. 13, 2, Article 20, 1-34. [PDF]
· Ren, Y., Zhang, H., Kraut, R. E. 2023. “How Did They Build the Free Encyclopedia: A Literature Review of Collaboration and Coordination among Wikipedia Editors.” ACM Transaction on Computer-Human Interaction, 31, 1, Article 7, 1-48. [PDF]
· Ren, Y., Deng, X., Joshi, K.D. 2023. “Unpacking Human and AI Complementarity: Insights from Recent Works.” The DATA BASE for Advancements in Information Systems. 54, 3, 6-10 [PDF]
· Yang, M. Ren, Y., and Adomavicius, G. 2020. Engagement by design: An empirical study of the “reactions” feature on Facebook Business Pages. ACM Transactions on Computer-Human Interaction. 27, 6, Article 43, 35 pages. [Journal Link] [PDF] [SSRN]
· Liu-Thompkins, Y., Maslowska, E., Ren, Y., and Kim, H. 2020. Creating, meta-Voicing, and propagating: A road map for understanding user roles in computational advertising. Journal of Advertising, 49(4), 394-410. [Journal Link] [PDF]
· Daniel, S. L., Janansefat, S., Diamant, I., Ren, Y. 2019. Single and double-loop learning: Linking Free/Libre Open Source Software (FLOSS) developer motivation, contribution, and turnover intentions. The Data Base for Advances in Information Systems. [Journal Link] [PDwww.dropbox.com/s/2dtcx0fktey1zxj/Database%202020%20Learning%20in%20OSS.pdf?dl=0F]
· Yang, M., Ren, Y., and Adomavicious, G. 2019. “Understanding word-of-mouth and customer engagement on Facebook business pages,” Information Systems Research, 30(3), 839-855. [Journal link] [PDF] [SSRN]
· Yang, M., Adomavicius, G., Burtch, G., Ren, Y. 2018. "Mind the gap: Accounting for measurement error and misclassification in variables generated via data mining" Information Systems Research, 29(1), 4-24. [Journal link] [PDF] [SSRN]
· Ren, Y., Chen, J., and Riedl, J. 2016. “The impact and evolution of group diversity on online collaboration,” Management Science 62(6), pp. 1668-1686. [Journal Link] [PDF]
· Ren, Y., and Kraut, R. E. 2014. “Agent-based modeling to inform online community theory and design: Impact of topical breadth, message volume, and discussion moderation on member commitment and contribution,” Human-Computer Interaction (29), pp. 351-389. [Journal Link] [PDF]
· Wang, X., Butler, B., and Ren, Y. 2013. “The impact of membership overlap on the growth: An ecological competition view of online groups,” Organization Science (24:2), pp. 414-431. [Journal Link] [PDF]
· Ren, Y., Harper, F. M., Drenner, S., Terveen, L., Kiesler, S., Riedl, J., and Kraut, R. E. 2012. “Building member attachment in online communities: Applying theories of group identity and interpersonal bonds,” MIS Quarterly (36:3), pp. 841-864. [Journal Link] [PDF]
· Argote, L. and Ren, Y. 2012. “Transactive memory systems: A micro foundation of dynamic capabilities,” Journal of Management Studies (49:8), pp. 1375-1382. [Journal Link] [PDF]
· Ren, Y., and Argote, L. 2011. “Transactive memory systems 1985-2010: An integrative framework of key dimensions, antecedents, and consequences,” Academy of Management Annals (5:1), pp. 189-229. [Journal Link] [PDF]
· Ren, Y., Kiesler, S., and Fussell, S. 2008. “Multiple Group coordination in complex and dynamic task environments: Interruptions, coping mechanisms, and technology recommendations,” Journal of Management Information Systems (25:1), pp. 105-130. [Journal Link] [PDF]
· Ren, Y., Kraut, R. E., and Kiesler, S. 2007. “Applying common identity and bond theory to design of online communities,” Organization Studies (28:3), pp. 377-408. [Journal Link] [PDF]
· Boh, W. F., Ren, Y., Kiesler, S., and Bussjaeger, R. 2007. “Expertise and collaboration in the geographically dispersed organization,” Organization Science (18:4), pp. 595-612. [Journal Link] [PDF]
· Du, R., Ai, S., and Ren, Y. 2007. “Relationship between knowledge sharing and performance: A survey in Xi’an, China,” Expert Systems with Applications (32:1), pp. 38-46. [Journal Link] [PDF]
· Ren, Y., Carley, K. M., and Argote, L. 2006. “The contingency effects of transactive memory: When is it more beneficial to know what others know?” Management Science (52:5), pp. 671-682. [Journal Link] [PDF]
Books and Book Chapters
· Ren, Y. 2018. Learning in virtual teams. In L. Argote and J. Levine (eds), The Oxford Handbook of Group and Organizational Learning, Oxford, UK. [PDF]
· Ren, Y., and Kraut, R. E. 2014. Agent-based modeling to inform the design of multi-user systems. In J. S. Olson & W. Kellogg, eds., Human Computer Interaction Ways of Knowing. Springer: New York. [PDF]
· Ren, Y., Kraut, R. E., and Kiesler, S. 2012. Encouraging commitment to online communities. In R. E. Kraut & P. Resnick, eds. Designing from Theory: Using the Social Sciences as the Basis for Building Online Communities. MIS Press: Boston, MA. [PDF]
· Kiesler, S., Boh, W. F., Ren, Y., and Weisband, S. 2008. “Virtual teams: High tech rhetoric and low tech experience,” In Computerization Movements and Technology Diffusion: From Mainframe to Ubiquitous Computing, K. Kraemer and M. Elliott (eds.) New Jersey: Information Today Medford, pp. 263-287. [PDF]
· Ren, Y. 2001. “Simulating the role of transactive memory in group performance,” In Organizational Learning and Knowledge Management: New Directions, M. Crossan, and F. Olivera (eds.) London, Canada: Richard Ivey School of Business.
Conference Publications
· Zhang, H., Ren, Y., Kraut, R. E. 2020. “Mining and Predicting Temporal Patterns in the Quality Evolution of Wikipedia Articles” Proceedings of Hawaii International Conference on Systems Sciences, Maui, Hawaii. [PDF]
· Yu, B., Wang, X., Lin, A. Y., Ren, Y., Terveen, L., Zhu, H. 2017. “Out With The Old, In With The New? Unpacking Member Turnover in Online Production Groups,” Proceedings of ACM Conference on Computer Supported Cooperative Work. [PDF]
· Yu, B., Ren, Y., Terveen, L., and Zhu, H. 2017. “Predicting Member Productivity and Withdrawal from Pre-Joining Attachments in Online Production Groups,” Proceedings of ACM Conference on Computer Supported Cooperative Work, Portland, Oregon. [PDF]
· Wang, S, Chen, J., Ren, Y., and Riedl, J. 2012. “Searching for the Goldilocks zone: Trade-offs in managing online volunteer groups,” Proceedings of ACM Conference on Computer Supported Cooperative Work, Seattle, Washington. [PDF]
· Musicant, D. R., Ren, Y., Johnson, J. A., and Riedl, J. 2011. “Mentoring in Wikipedia: A clash of cultures,” Proceedings of International Symposium on Wikis and Open Collaboration, Mountain View, California. [PDF]
· Chen, J., Ren, Y., and Riedl, J. 2010. “The effects of diversity on group productivity and member withdrawal in online volunteer groups,” Proceedings of ACM Conference on Human Factor in Computing Systems, Atlanta, Georgia. [PDF]
· Ren, Y., and Kraut, R. E. 2007. “An agent-based model to understand trade-offs in online community,” Proceedings of International Conference on Information Systems, Montreal, Canada. [PDF]
· Weisz, J., Kiesler, S., Zhang, H., Ren, Y., Kraut, R. E., and Konstan, J. 2007. “Watching together: Integrating conversations with video,” Proceedings of ACM Conference on Human Factor in Computing Systems. [PDF]
· Harper, F. M., Frankowski, D., Drenner, S., Ren, Y., Kiesler, S., Terveen, L., Kraut, R. E., and Riedl, J. 2007. “Talk amongst yourselves: Inviting users to participate in online conversations,” Proceedings of International Conference on Intelligent User Interfaces. [PDF]
· Ren, Y., Kiesler, S., Fussell, S., and Scupelli, P. 2007. “Trajectories in multiple group coordination: A field study of hospital operating suites,” Proceedings of Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences. [PDF]
· Ren, Y., Kraut, R. E., and Kiesler, S. 2006. “Identity and bond theories to understand design decisions for online communities,” Academy of Management Best Paper Proceedings, Atlanta, GA. [PDF]
· Boh, W. F., Ren, Y., and Kiesler, S. 2002. “Managing expertise in a distributed environment,” Proceedings of International Conference on Information Systems, Barcelona, Spain. [PDF]
· Carley, K. M., and Ren, Y. 2001. “Tradeoffs between performance and adaptability for C3I architectures,” Proceedings of Command and Control Research and Technology Symposium, Annapolis, MA. [PDF]
· Carley, K. M., Ren, Y., and Krackhardt, D. 2000. “Measuring and modeling change in C3I architectures,” Proceedings of Command and Control Research and Technology Symposium, Monterray, CA. [PDF]
My research is programmatic, interdisciplinary, and integrates theory and empirics. To gain a deeper understanding of a phenomenon, I often study the same phenomena via different theoretical lenses and using different methods. My research bridges across multiple disciplines, not only my home discipline of information systems but also related disciplines in computer science and organization science. I have published in both top information systems journals and top journals in management and computer science.
My research on online communities and Wikipedia collaboration has been supported by two large National Science Foundation grants. I have received multiple awards, including the Allen Newell Research Award for my work on designing online communities.
My ongoing research projects examine (1) the impact of Generative AI on worker experiences and well-being, including autonomy and efficacy; (2) the concept of AI proficiency or what differentiates workers in their capabilities to work effectively with Generative AI tools; (3) the factors that may affect the degree to which human users interact mindfully with smartphones, particularly among young people and professional workers.
Books
· Kraut, R. E., Resnick, P., with Kiesler, S., Burke, M., Chen, Y., Kittur, N., Konstan, J., Ren, Y., Riedl, J. Building Successful Online Communities: Evidence-Based Social Design. Boston, MA: MIS Press. [Amazon Link]
Journal Articles
· Ren, Y., Clement, J. 2024. “Augmenting Human Teams with Robots in Knowledge Work Settings: Insights from the Literature.” ACM Transactions on Human-Robot Interaction. 13, 2, Article 20, 1-34. [PDF]
· Ren, Y., Zhang, H., Kraut, R. E. 2023. “How Did They Build the Free Encyclopedia: A Literature Review of Collaboration and Coordination among Wikipedia Editors.” ACM Transaction on Computer-Human Interaction, 31, 1, Article 7, 1-48. [PDF]
· Ren, Y., Deng, X., Joshi, K.D. 2023. “Unpacking Human and AI Complementarity: Insights from Recent Works.” The DATA BASE for Advancements in Information Systems. 54, 3, 6-10 [PDF]
· Yang, M. Ren, Y., and Adomavicius, G. 2020. Engagement by design: An empirical study of the “reactions” feature on Facebook Business Pages. ACM Transactions on Computer-Human Interaction. 27, 6, Article 43, 35 pages. [Journal Link] [PDF] [SSRN]
· Liu-Thompkins, Y., Maslowska, E., Ren, Y., and Kim, H. 2020. Creating, meta-Voicing, and propagating: A road map for understanding user roles in computational advertising. Journal of Advertising, 49(4), 394-410. [Journal Link] [PDF]
· Daniel, S. L., Janansefat, S., Diamant, I., Ren, Y. 2019. Single and double-loop learning: Linking Free/Libre Open Source Software (FLOSS) developer motivation, contribution, and turnover intentions. The Data Base for Advances in Information Systems. [Journal Link] [PDwww.dropbox.com/s/2dtcx0fktey1zxj/Database%202020%20Learning%20in%20OSS.pdf?dl=0F]
· Yang, M., Ren, Y., and Adomavicious, G. 2019. “Understanding word-of-mouth and customer engagement on Facebook business pages,” Information Systems Research, 30(3), 839-855. [Journal link] [PDF] [SSRN]
· Yang, M., Adomavicius, G., Burtch, G., Ren, Y. 2018. "Mind the gap: Accounting for measurement error and misclassification in variables generated via data mining" Information Systems Research, 29(1), 4-24. [Journal link] [PDF] [SSRN]
· Ren, Y., Chen, J., and Riedl, J. 2016. “The impact and evolution of group diversity on online collaboration,” Management Science 62(6), pp. 1668-1686. [Journal Link] [PDF]
· Ren, Y., and Kraut, R. E. 2014. “Agent-based modeling to inform online community theory and design: Impact of topical breadth, message volume, and discussion moderation on member commitment and contribution,” Human-Computer Interaction (29), pp. 351-389. [Journal Link] [PDF]
· Wang, X., Butler, B., and Ren, Y. 2013. “The impact of membership overlap on the growth: An ecological competition view of online groups,” Organization Science (24:2), pp. 414-431. [Journal Link] [PDF]
· Ren, Y., Harper, F. M., Drenner, S., Terveen, L., Kiesler, S., Riedl, J., and Kraut, R. E. 2012. “Building member attachment in online communities: Applying theories of group identity and interpersonal bonds,” MIS Quarterly (36:3), pp. 841-864. [Journal Link] [PDF]
· Argote, L. and Ren, Y. 2012. “Transactive memory systems: A micro foundation of dynamic capabilities,” Journal of Management Studies (49:8), pp. 1375-1382. [Journal Link] [PDF]
· Ren, Y., and Argote, L. 2011. “Transactive memory systems 1985-2010: An integrative framework of key dimensions, antecedents, and consequences,” Academy of Management Annals (5:1), pp. 189-229. [Journal Link] [PDF]
· Ren, Y., Kiesler, S., and Fussell, S. 2008. “Multiple Group coordination in complex and dynamic task environments: Interruptions, coping mechanisms, and technology recommendations,” Journal of Management Information Systems (25:1), pp. 105-130. [Journal Link] [PDF]
· Ren, Y., Kraut, R. E., and Kiesler, S. 2007. “Applying common identity and bond theory to design of online communities,” Organization Studies (28:3), pp. 377-408. [Journal Link] [PDF]
· Boh, W. F., Ren, Y., Kiesler, S., and Bussjaeger, R. 2007. “Expertise and collaboration in the geographically dispersed organization,” Organization Science (18:4), pp. 595-612. [Journal Link] [PDF]
· Du, R., Ai, S., and Ren, Y. 2007. “Relationship between knowledge sharing and performance: A survey in Xi’an, China,” Expert Systems with Applications (32:1), pp. 38-46. [Journal Link] [PDF]
· Ren, Y., Carley, K. M., and Argote, L. 2006. “The contingency effects of transactive memory: When is it more beneficial to know what others know?” Management Science (52:5), pp. 671-682. [Journal Link] [PDF]
Books and Book Chapters
· Ren, Y. 2018. Learning in virtual teams. In L. Argote and J. Levine (eds), The Oxford Handbook of Group and Organizational Learning, Oxford, UK. [PDF]
· Ren, Y., and Kraut, R. E. 2014. Agent-based modeling to inform the design of multi-user systems. In J. S. Olson & W. Kellogg, eds., Human Computer Interaction Ways of Knowing. Springer: New York. [PDF]
· Ren, Y., Kraut, R. E., and Kiesler, S. 2012. Encouraging commitment to online communities. In R. E. Kraut & P. Resnick, eds. Designing from Theory: Using the Social Sciences as the Basis for Building Online Communities. MIS Press: Boston, MA. [PDF]
· Kiesler, S., Boh, W. F., Ren, Y., and Weisband, S. 2008. “Virtual teams: High tech rhetoric and low tech experience,” In Computerization Movements and Technology Diffusion: From Mainframe to Ubiquitous Computing, K. Kraemer and M. Elliott (eds.) New Jersey: Information Today Medford, pp. 263-287. [PDF]
· Ren, Y. 2001. “Simulating the role of transactive memory in group performance,” In Organizational Learning and Knowledge Management: New Directions, M. Crossan, and F. Olivera (eds.) London, Canada: Richard Ivey School of Business.
Conference Publications
· Zhang, H., Ren, Y., Kraut, R. E. 2020. “Mining and Predicting Temporal Patterns in the Quality Evolution of Wikipedia Articles” Proceedings of Hawaii International Conference on Systems Sciences, Maui, Hawaii. [PDF]
· Yu, B., Wang, X., Lin, A. Y., Ren, Y., Terveen, L., Zhu, H. 2017. “Out With The Old, In With The New? Unpacking Member Turnover in Online Production Groups,” Proceedings of ACM Conference on Computer Supported Cooperative Work. [PDF]
· Yu, B., Ren, Y., Terveen, L., and Zhu, H. 2017. “Predicting Member Productivity and Withdrawal from Pre-Joining Attachments in Online Production Groups,” Proceedings of ACM Conference on Computer Supported Cooperative Work, Portland, Oregon. [PDF]
· Wang, S, Chen, J., Ren, Y., and Riedl, J. 2012. “Searching for the Goldilocks zone: Trade-offs in managing online volunteer groups,” Proceedings of ACM Conference on Computer Supported Cooperative Work, Seattle, Washington. [PDF]
· Musicant, D. R., Ren, Y., Johnson, J. A., and Riedl, J. 2011. “Mentoring in Wikipedia: A clash of cultures,” Proceedings of International Symposium on Wikis and Open Collaboration, Mountain View, California. [PDF]
· Chen, J., Ren, Y., and Riedl, J. 2010. “The effects of diversity on group productivity and member withdrawal in online volunteer groups,” Proceedings of ACM Conference on Human Factor in Computing Systems, Atlanta, Georgia. [PDF]
· Ren, Y., and Kraut, R. E. 2007. “An agent-based model to understand trade-offs in online community,” Proceedings of International Conference on Information Systems, Montreal, Canada. [PDF]
· Weisz, J., Kiesler, S., Zhang, H., Ren, Y., Kraut, R. E., and Konstan, J. 2007. “Watching together: Integrating conversations with video,” Proceedings of ACM Conference on Human Factor in Computing Systems. [PDF]
· Harper, F. M., Frankowski, D., Drenner, S., Ren, Y., Kiesler, S., Terveen, L., Kraut, R. E., and Riedl, J. 2007. “Talk amongst yourselves: Inviting users to participate in online conversations,” Proceedings of International Conference on Intelligent User Interfaces. [PDF]
· Ren, Y., Kiesler, S., Fussell, S., and Scupelli, P. 2007. “Trajectories in multiple group coordination: A field study of hospital operating suites,” Proceedings of Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences. [PDF]
· Ren, Y., Kraut, R. E., and Kiesler, S. 2006. “Identity and bond theories to understand design decisions for online communities,” Academy of Management Best Paper Proceedings, Atlanta, GA. [PDF]
· Boh, W. F., Ren, Y., and Kiesler, S. 2002. “Managing expertise in a distributed environment,” Proceedings of International Conference on Information Systems, Barcelona, Spain. [PDF]
· Carley, K. M., and Ren, Y. 2001. “Tradeoffs between performance and adaptability for C3I architectures,” Proceedings of Command and Control Research and Technology Symposium, Annapolis, MA. [PDF]
· Carley, K. M., Ren, Y., and Krackhardt, D. 2000. “Measuring and modeling change in C3I architectures,” Proceedings of Command and Control Research and Technology Symposium, Monterray, CA. [PDF]