Common understanding as a basis for coordination

The purpose of this paper is to develop further a theoretical framework of common understanding and explore the role of common understanding in coordination.

A constructive action research approach was employed applying abductive reasoning to develop new models with practical relevance.

A new framework of the elements of common understanding and a new theory of communication as a mechanism for coordination.

As a longitudinal case study and part of a multiple case‐study, the findings are generalized to theory which should be further developed.

Presents a framework for developing shared meanings to achieve better coordination in collaborative service provisioning.

Presents a new model of common understanding, a refined approach to coordination.