Input Information Complexity and Information Processing in Electronic Discussions: An Experimental Investigation

Abstract

The findings of a laboratory experiment of electronic collaboration among the members of work groups reveal that both input information load and diversity have curvilinear (∩) relationships with the output information complexity generated by the groups and negative relationships with group interaction behaviors manifested through group members’ communication and participation activities. Also, output information complexity and group interaction behavior have positive relationships with group members’ satisfaction with the electronic meeting process.

Keywords:

• electronic discussion
• information processing
• information complexity
• integrative complexity
• group support systems
• process satisfaction
• group interaction behavior
• communication and participation