Information Overload: Addressing the Productivity Paradox in Face-to-Face Electronic Meetings

Abstract:

The Electronic Brainstorming System (EBS) is a group support system (GSS) tool considered particularly productive in supporting idea generation. Unfortunately, as computer-supported groups are confronted with larger numbers of ideas and supporting comments to organize and evaluate, they may experience information overload. This study explores the problem of information overload within the context of an idea-organization task in a face-to-face electronic meeting. Integrative Complexity Theory provides the primary theoretical foundation, and an Information Overload Model for GSS is introduced. Results from a laboratory experiment provide support for the idea that effective GSS tools can be designed based on a theoretical understanding of information processing, in particular, how information is processed under conditions of high information load. Use of a GSS tool designed to regulate the flow of information, called an Idea Regulator, led subjects to organize ideas with higher levels of complexity, but they also reported higher levels of mental workload. This research suggests that particular attention to the problem of information overload, and research focused on finding theory-based solutions, can lead to more effective meetings.

Key Words and Phrases:

• electronic brainstorming
• group support systems
• information overload
• Integrative Complexity Theory

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Mary-Liz Grisé

Mary-Liz Grisé is an Assistant Professor of Information Systems at the School of Business Administration at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. She received her Ph.D. in management (management information systems/organizational behavior) from Queen’s University in 1997. Her current research interests are computer support for groups and teams, human information processing, and mental workload. Her work has been published in the Journal of Applied Psychology.

R. Brent Gallupe

R. Brent Gallupe is a Professor of Information Systems and Director of the Queen’s Executive Decision Center at the School of Business, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario. Dr. Gallupe also holds an ongoing Visiting Professor appointment at the University of Auckland, New Zealand. He received his Ph.D. in MIS from the University of Minnesota. His current research interests are computer support for groups and teams, evaluation of information systems, and the history of information systems. His work has been published in journals such as Academy of Management Journal, Sloan Management Review, Journal of Applied Psychology, and Management Science.