Group Support Systems Research Articles

Towards an Instrument to Measure Participants' Perceptions on Facilitation in Group Support Systems Meetings

Facilitation is often considered to be one of the key factors in the successful application of GSS. Research on GSS facilitation has revealed insight into the types of tasks performed by facilitators and the potential positive effects of facilitation on group consensus and satisfaction. However, earlier research has rarely approached GSS facilitation from the participants' point of view. In this study a questionnaire was developed and distributed to 369 participants of facilitated GSS meetings in order to measure their perceptions of various facilitation tasks. The results suggested three categories of facilitation tasks that are perceived as important by participants. Each of these categories strongly correlated with participants' meeting satisfaction. Further research is needed to refine these categories so that the instrument may be used to evaluate a facilitator's performance.

Coordination Structures and System Restrictiveness in Distributed Group Support Systems

Most GSS research has studied the impact of restricting group interaction to GSS-prescribed coordination structures with face-to-face groups, while Distributed GSS (DGSS) has been largely ignored. Due to the nature of mediated communication in asynchronous interaction, it is relatively difficult to coordinate distributed groups, and a special coordination structure must be arranged to overcome these difficulties. This study examines the effect of system restrictiveness of coordination structures in an asynchronous environment. A 2 × 2 factorial experiment was designed with two independent variables – sequential vs. parallel coordination mode, and with vs. without a leader – to construct coordination structures with varying degrees of restrictiveness. The study finds that less restrictive coordination structures are more appropriate to support asynchronously interacting distributed groups. Objective decision quality is equal for both parallel and sequential coordination mode, but is significantly better with a group leader. Groups with parallel coordination mode have a stronger belief that the decisions they made are of higher quality than those of groups with sequential coordination mode. In groups with a leader, communication effectiveness is better. Satisfaction with a decision process is higher in parallel coordination groups and in groups with a leader. There is also a significant interaction effect. Satisfaction with the decision process is higher in sequential coordination groups with a leader than sequential coordination groups without a leader.

Individual differences and relative advantage: the case of GSS

Studies of the effect of individual differences on usage of information systems have yielded mixed results. This study examines the effect of individual differences on the perceived relative advantage (a concept akin to perceived usefulness) of using Group Support Systems (GSS) over traditional face-to-face meetings. Specifically, the current field study investigates the effect of oral and writing communication apprehension, computer anxiety, and personal innovativeness on perceptions of relative advantage of a GSS. Results provide empirical support for the relationships explored and explain about 40% of variance in relative advantage of a GSS meeting vis-à-vis a traditional face-to-face meeting.

Global Applications of Collaborative Technology

Collaborative technologies, sometimes referred to as "groupware applications" given their deployment to support groups of individuals engaging in collaborative tasks, have developed rapidly in the last few years. Much of this expansion has been fueled by the dramatic increases in Internet penetration in societies around the world, making it possible for globally distributed teams to work on projects. We see these technologies being applied in a variety of ways, ranging from organizational communication and decision making to distributed software inspections and development to virtual education initiatives. The systems themselves include an array of technologies that may include video- and audioconferencing, shared calendaring, (digital) document management systems, text-based group support systems, and many more.

Collaborative assessment in education: an application of a fuzzy GSS

Educators are increasingly pressed to deal effectively and efficiently with multiple criteria evaluation in a variety of circumstances as students become more actively involved in assessment. This paper demonstrates that a “fuzzy set” collaborative assessment approach implemented with a group support system (GSS) can be successfully applied in university classroom contexts. Student learning was significantly enhanced, as was satisfaction, when a collaborative assessment approach was taken. This approach has broad-based applicability in dealing with assessment complexity encountered in a wide variety of business and government contexts, as well as educational institutions.

Computer-mediated focus group sessions: naturalistic inquiry in a networked environment

This article reports on a naturalistic research study exploring faculty attitudes about the use of technology in the college classroom. The data collection method consisted of a series of synchronous, computer-mediated focus group sessions using a group support system. Participants in the four focus group sessions were faculty employed at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. The researchers found that the computer-mediated format for the focus group method of inquiry improved the objectivity of each session, reduced the influence of a sensitive topic on participation and enhanced the management of participant discussion. Furthermore, the electronic format improved the accuracy of the data collected by capturing every voice and every comment in ‘real time’. The primary disadvantage of the computer-mediated method was the reduced ability of the researcher to guide the discussion and request elaboration on any given topic.

Learning about and from Group Support Systems

A framework for using Group Support Systems (GSS) to aid learning about group problem-solving processes is presented. The authors describe a typical group problem-solving process and GSS. A framework for matching GSS tools to stages of the group problem-solving process is presented. The authors then detail how two simulations were developed for use with GSS. The simulations were used to provide students with experience in using GSS and in developing an agenda for group problem solving. Evidence of effectiveness of the simulations is presented. The authors conclude with considerations for developing simulations for presenting GSS and group problem-solving processes.

Understanding Fit and Appropriation Effects in Group Support Systems via Meta-Analysis

Many previous papers have lamented the fact that the findings of past GSS research have been inconsistent. This paper develops a new model for interpreting GSS effects on performance (a Fit-Appropriation Model), which argues that GSS performance is affected by two factors. The first is the fit between the task and the GSS structures selected for use (i.e., communication support and information processing support). The second is the appropriation support the group receives in the form of training, facilitation, and software restrictiveness to help them effectively incorporate the selected GSS structures into their meeting process. A meta-analysis using this model to organize and classify past research found that when used appropriately (i.e., there is a fit between the GSS structures and the task, and the group receives appropriation support), GSS use increased the number of ideas generated, took less time, and led to more satisfied participants than if the group worked without the GSS. Fitting the GSS to the task had the most impact on outcome effectiveness (decision quality and ideas), while appropriation support had the most impact on the process (time required and process satisfaction). We conclude that when using this theoretical lens, the results of GSS research do not appear inconsistent.

Asynchronous and distributed process improvement: the role of collaborative technologies

Abstract. The recent proliferation of low‐cost computer networks has driven the development of a new type of organization, in which geographical and time constraints to collaboration among process teams have been gradually removed. As these organizations have to cope with a fast pace of change, they rely increasingly on distributed and asynchronous process improvement (PI) groups to redesign their processes. Yet little is known about the effects of asynchronous group support systems (GSSs) on PI groups. We investigate the effects of asynchronous GSSs on PI groups through a two‐stage action research study of 38 such groups in three organizations, one in Brazil and two in New Zealand, over 4 years and 4 months. Different PI groups voluntarily conducted all, part or none of their communication through an e‐mail conferencing (EC) tool. The research suggests that EC support causes a decrease in the organizational costs associated with PI groups, which, combined with an increase in the number of possible simultaneous PI groups, generates an increase in overall organizational PI efficiency. The research also suggests a neutral overall effect of EC support on PI group outcome quality. Two explanatory causal models summarizing these effects are developed, and implications for research and industry practice are discussed.

GSS and action research in the Hong Kong police

Group support systems (GSS), designed primarily for meeting support, are being increasingly used for learning activities. In this paper action research is applied to explore how a GSS can enrich the training of police officers. A series of five sessions conducted over the course of five months provided substantial data that informed the research methodology, the learning experience of the officers and the relative value of GSS. The use of an AR philosophy enabled the facilitation of the sessions to be tailored so as to meet the on‐going needs of the officers in a precise and focused manner, with the result that their learning effectiveness increased as the sessions proceeded. A candid evaluation of both GSS and AR, as experienced in this context, is offered, while the issue of rigor in AR is examined.

Action learning and groupware technologies: a case study in GSS facilitation research

Effective meeting facilitation is recognised as a critical factor in group support systems (GSS) use but relatively little is known about how organisations can train and develop their “electronic meeting facilitators”. This article describes an action learning (AL) approach to the training of GSS facilitators. It begins with a description of the three schools of AL. The application of the “experiential” school of AL in GSS facilitation training is then explained. Finally, the article describes some lessons learned for both practitioners and researchers.

A Comparison Of The Impact Of Electronic Meeting Technologies In Two Less Developed Countries

Electronic meeting support, such as Group Support Systems (GSS), can play a crucial role in supporting groups engaged in development activities. Being an American invention, research into GSS is predominantly focused on Euro-American settings. GSS field studies in other cultural environments are scarce. The objective of our study is to explore the applicability of GSS in two particular environments: Tanzania and South Africa. Our data suggests that the use of GSS is evaluated positively in both countries, although Tanzanian groups perceived more benefits. In South Africa, top management displayed very open and non-conservative behavior towards the technology, while in Tanzania hesitance from top management can be expected to be the greatest hindrance for GSS acceptance and application. The data further indicate that GSS does not replace existing meeting customs, but rather introduces new ones that co-exist next to the traditional ones. The main difference between application of GSS in western and non-western societies is a stronger focus on the electronic discussion in Africa where anonymity is the key feature.African Journal of Finance and Management Vol.9(2) 2001: 19-35

Collaborative Technology in the Classroom: A Review of the GSS Research and a Research Framework

Over the past several years, a number of research studies have investigated the application of group support system (GSS) technology to the classroom. The purpose of this paper is twofold: (1) to summarize and assess what has been learned from this emerging body of research, and (2) to draw on the GSS and cooperative learning literatures to construct a framework to guide future studies. The review of research studies reported in this paper focuses on comparative studies investigating the synchronous GSS classroom environment. While research findings regarding the impacts of GSS on learning performance are somewhat mixed, early indications are encouraging and suggest that GSS may have a positive impact under certain situations. A framework based on the GSS and cooperative learning research is introduced that identifies the contextual, group process, and outcome factors that researchers may wish to consider when designing and interpreting future research studies in this area.

The Role of Leadership in Group Support Systems Failure

This paper reports on a research case study in which the use of a Group Support System (GSS) by a multi-organizational alliance failed. The paper argues that the leadership style of the meeting champion may be a much greater moderating factor in GSS meeting success than previously thought. Transformational Leadership Theory is used to explain the results, and implications for both researchers and managers are drawn. Two themes emerge: first, the case shows where the concept of “phony democracy” may or may not occur. Second, the case illustrates conditions under which a GSS may generate, as opposed to mitigate conflict. For managers, it suggests that using a GSS may not be optimal if they choose to adopt a Transactional leadership style. For researchers, this work offers insights into boundary conditions affecting GSS usage, extending a paucity of research in negative GSS‐usage cases.

An Assessment of the Singerian Inquiring Organizational Model: Cases from Academia and the Utility Industry

The Singerian model of inquiring organizations is reviewed (Proceedings of the Americas Conference on Information Systems, Phoenix, Arizona Aug. 16–18,1996:443–445; Australian Journal of Information Systems, 1998;6(1):3–15, reprinted in Foundations of Information Systems: Towards a Philosophy of Informative Technology, http://www.cba.uh.edu/~parks/fis/fisart.htm.) and two cases of organizations representing the Singerian approach are analyzed. The Singerian organization, based on Churchman's (The Design of Inquiring Systems: Basic Concepts of Systems and Organizations, New York, NY: Basic Books Inc., 1971.) Singerian inquiring system, has ethical purposes, treats employees, customers and other stakeholders with trust and respect, and pursues socially responsible goals, including a respect for the environment. Decision making in Singerian organizations is holistic and systemic, and includes diverse stakeholders, thus requiring an open, cooperative culture, wherein debate is encouraged. Authority is diffuse. Measurement is fundamental. A system of measures is continuously monitored, refined, compared and revised to assess progress. Cooperation and communication are supported with various types of groupware, including e-mail, electronic meeting systems, group support systems, negotiation support systems, discussion forums, knowledge bases, knowledge management systems and the like. The Internet and World Wide Web may serve as resource and dissemination agents for “exoteric” knowledge created by the organization. Two organizations, an Energy Service Company and an academic Center for the Management of Information Systems, are analyzed for their conformance to and success with the Singerian approach. The organizations tended to prosper when the model was followed, but ran into difficulties when it was not.

Sociocultural Learning: A Perspective on GSS-Enabled Global Education

Virtual teams are developing rapidly in organisations of the new economy. As educators, we have a responsibility to ensure that our students are appropriately prepared for work in the virtual workspace, where teams may cross time, geographical, and cultural boundaries. In this article, the culturally sensitive theory of sociocultural learning is combined with GSS (Group Support Systems) to illustrate how cross-cultural, globally distributed virtual teams of students located in The Netherlands, Greece, and Hong Kong work on vested interest projects. Finally, a set of critical success factors that inform virtual learning contexts is derived from our findings and recommendations are made for operational practice in the virtual work space.

Using group support systems for software inspections

Software engineering sometimes appears to be years behind other disciplines in terms of predictability and quality. But we like to argue that the software industry is facing problems now that other industries have yet to face. Constructing a high-quality, million-line program is daunting. Fortunately, progress is occurring and merging two important areas: software process improvement and technological support. The authors describe their experience implementing a group support system (GSS) for software inspections in an industrial environment. The results confirm their belief that such support can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of inspections, provided the inspections are properly conducted.

A utility range-based interactive group support system for multiattribute decision making

This research suggests an interactive procedure for solving a multiattribute group decision problem using a range-typed utility information, and develops an interactive group support system (RINGS) to implement some capabilities of the procedure. It is often difficult for group members to articulate their preferences with cardinal values, instead they prefer to give incomplete information only. Utility ranges are obtained by solving linear programming problems with incompletely specified information. RINGS finds out conflicting opinions among group members, compares each member's preferences with the others’, and suggests a direction for consensus seeking. The procedure of RINGS utilizes range-typed visual information, which helps the group reach a consensus. RINGS has several facilities like graphic user interface, model base, and database, so the total time to reach a group consensus is reduced. The evaluation of information systems is illustrated as a demonstration of some capabilities of RINGS. Scope and purpose This paper deals with the multiple attribute decision-making problem using a separable linear programming technique when group decision makers give only their incomplete information about the attribute weight and alternative value. The utility range for individual decision maker is calculated from each decision maker's incomplete information, and the utility range for group decision makers is obtained from those of individual decision makers. An interactive procedure for establishing a group's pairwise dominance relations with a group's utility range is described, and an interactive group support system (RINGS) is developed to implement the procedure. A case study about the evaluation of information systems is illustrated as a demonstration of some capabilities of RINGS.

Electronic Meetings and Subsequent Meeting Behaviour: Systems as agents of change

The intent of this empirical study was to examine to what extent the use of group support systems (GSSs) in meetings modifies individual and group behaviour in subsequent manual meetings. Because meetings occupy a significant amount of organisational resources, yet are perceived to be mostly unproductive, it would seem that improving the effectiveness of meetings would lead to positive and lasting organisational productivity gains. The study utilised a cross-sectional survey design to compare the differences between GSS-influenced meetings and traditional manual meetings on several composite measures. Results showed that the two groups were significantly different and that the GSS group rated their subsequent meetings as more productive and satisfying. New behaviours may have been learned as a result of the technology-supported meetings as these behaviours were applied to subsequent meetings.

A Field Study into the Organizational Application of Group Support Systems

Results from laboratory studies and field studies suggest that Group Support Systems (GSS) may have an added value to organizational problem solving. However, few studies have been reported on the actual in situ organizational application of this technology. This field study investigated the use of a GSS in a large insurance firm over a number of sessions. Data was gathered with respect to participants ’ perceptions on the GSS used, the meeting process, and the meeting outcomes. The results suggest that the use of GSS increased productivity by 55 percent both in terms of man hours and project time span. Productivity gains seemed to increase in larger projects. Both initiators and participants considered the GSS meetings to be more efficient and effective than manual meetings and to yield higher quality results. Critical factors to the success of GSS meetings included the translation of meeting objectives into a structured agenda, the active motivation of group members to participate, and enough time for groups to digest (intermediary) meeting results. The results of this study bear many similarities to earlier in situ studies at IBM and Boeing. They yield further evidence to support that GSS are perceived to have a considerable added value to organizational problem solving.