Exploring the Application and Acceptance of Group Support Systems in Africa

Abstract:

Cross-cultural GSS field studies are scarce. Although the state of knowledge and theory development in this area warrants a focus on descriptive field explorations, most cross-cultural GSS research has taken place in laboratory environments. The study reported here represents the first detailed descriptive field study ofGSS application in Africa. A grounded theory approach was used to collect and analyze data on eleven projects in which GSS meetings were organized in Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Tanzania. From the data emerged a model of GSS acceptance in the cultures investigated that extends the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) in terms of a specification of a number of relevant external factors. These factors include the endorsement of top management, computer literacy, oral communication preference, referent power, and satisfaction with use. Furthermore, the findings suggest that there is potential for applying GSS in Africa to support capacity-building efforts, which tops the agenda of international development agencies.

Key Words and Phrases:

• cross-cultural studies
• field study
• group support systems
• grounded theory research
• technology acceptance

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Gert-Jan de Vreede

Gert-JAN DE Vreede is an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Technology, Policy, and Management of Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands. He received his Ph.D. in systems engineering from the same university, where he is currently responsible for the GSS research program. His research interests include the application of collaborative technologies to facilitate organizational design activities, and the adoption and diffusion of GSS in both Western environments as well as developing countries. His articles have appeared in Journal of Management Information Systems, Journal of Decision Systems, Journal of Creativity and Innovation Management, Holland Management Review, and Journal of Simulation Practice and Theory.

Noel Jones

Noel Jones is Vice President, Europe, for Capacity Building International (CBI), which specializes in capacity building for individuals, institutions, and countries. Prior to joining CBI, he worked at the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, where he managed the Groupware Services. He has designed, developed, and implemented a wide range of strategic planning, organizational development, and management development programs throughout the world. He holds a Ph.D. in management and psychology from Manchester University and is the author of a number of books and articles on management, psychology, and work issues. Dr. Jones has delivered papers at three world conferences and many international and national conferences.

Rabson J. Mgaya

Rabson J. Mgaya holds an M.B.A. from the University of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania. He is a Lecturer at the Computing Centre of the University of Dar es Salaam. Currently he is pursuing a Ph.D. in group support systems at Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands. His research interests include group support systems, management information systems, and operations management.