Dispersed Group Decision Making Using Nonsimultaneous Computer Conferencing: A Report of Research

Abstract:

A quasi-experiment was conducted in the field to compare the decisionmaking process for groups using a nonsimultaneous computer conferencing (ncc) system with similar groups using face-to-face (ftf) communication. Groups of five participants performed group decision making using a general knowledge task. Group members searched for the solution by sharing information and generating alternatives. The participants were professional workers from several different organizations.

The results of the study suggest that groups using the ncc system were significantly less effective than ftf groups in solving the problem. Nccs shared less information, were less comprehensive in considering all aspects of the decision-making task, and made less progress toward the perceived decision goal.

Key Words and Phrases:

• Group decision support systems
• computer conferencing
• nonsimultaneous computer conferencing
• teleconferencing
• task-oriented decision making
• interpersonal communication

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jill Y. Smith

Jill Y. Smith is Assistant Professor of Management Information Systems at the College of Business Administration, University of Denver. She received her Ph.D. in Business Computer Information Systems from the University of North Texas. She is also aresearch associate in UNT’s Information Systems Research Center. Her research interests include the communication components of group decision support and is planning. She has published in Journal of Systems Management, Information & Management, and Journal of Behaviour andlnformation Technology. In addition, she consults with medical doctors in planning for information systems.

Michael T. Vanecek

Michael T. Vanecek is Regents Professor of Business Computer Information Systems at the University of North Texas. He was the founding director of the College of Business Administration’s Information Systems Research Center. He received his Ph.D., with a major in Accounting and Information Systems, from the University of Texas at Austin. He also has an M.B.A. from the University of Houston as well as B.S.E.E. and M.E.E. degrees from North Carolina State University. Dr. Vanecek’s research interests include human factors and behavioral issues, information systems technology impact, telecommunications and distributed systems, and methodological issues in information systems research. He has published articles in MIS Quarterly, Information & Management, Journal of Systems Management, Journal of Accountancy, and Journal of Accounting, Auditing, and Finance.