A proposed research framework for distributed group support systems

Abstract Globalization, virtual corporations, telecommuting, empowerment of teams, reduced cycle time and the need to frequently make decisions quickly makes it necessary for groups to work together while the participants may be in different locations. Distributed Group Support System ( DGSS ) is a technology that can help groups to overcome some of the difficulties associated with being in different places and sometimes in different time zones. The purpose of this paper is to propose a research framework that addresses the major issues involved in the implementation of DGSSs. These issues were identified in a literature review and in a small scale survey of practitioners. The proposed framework extends the traditional decision room GSS framework by adding relevant topics in all major parts. In addition, a new set of characteristics (input) variables related to communication issues while being in different places, was added.

[1]  John Locke,et al.  Evolution of relational factors over time: a study of distributed and nondistributed meetings , 1995, Proceedings of the Twenty-Eighth Annual Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences.

[2]  Sirkka L. Jarvenpaa,et al.  Computer Support for Meetings of Groups Working on Unstructured Problems: A Field Experiment , 1988, MIS Q..

[3]  J. George,et al.  Physical Proximity Effects on Computer-Mediated Group Idea Generation , 1994 .

[4]  Kate M. Kaiser,et al.  An investigation of satisfaction when using a voice-synchronous GDSS in dispersed meetings , 1992, Inf. Manag..

[5]  S. Kiesler,et al.  Group processes in computer-mediated communication☆ , 1986 .

[6]  Gerardine DeSanctis,et al.  Using a GDSS to Facilitate Group Consensus: Some Intended and Unintended Consequences , 1988, MIS Q..

[7]  Benn R. Konsynski,et al.  Information systems and decision processes , 1992 .

[8]  Bezalel Gavish,et al.  CM3 : a distributed group decision support system , 1995 .

[9]  Suzanne P. Weisband,et al.  Developing trust in virtual teams , 1997, Proceedings of the Thirtieth Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences.

[10]  A. Pinsonneault,et al.  The effects of electronic meetings on group processes and outcomes: An assessment of the empirical research , 1990 .

[11]  B. E. Wynne,et al.  Effects of computer support and facilitator support on group processes and outcomes: an experimental assessment , 1990 .

[12]  Jay F. Nunamaker,et al.  Special Issue: Management Support Systems , 1990, J. Manag. Inf. Syst..

[13]  Starr Roxanne Hiltz,et al.  An exploratory comparison of four modes of communication for determining requirements: results on creativity, quality and satisfaction , 1997, Proceedings of the Thirtieth Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences.

[14]  Robert Johansen,et al.  Groupware: Computer Support for Business Teams , 1988 .

[15]  J. McGrath,et al.  Groups Interacting with Technology: Ideas, Evidence, Issues and an Agenda , 1993 .

[16]  Michael T. Vanecek,et al.  Dispersed Group Decision Making Using Nonsimultaneous Computer Conferencing: A Report of Research , 1990, J. Manag. Inf. Syst..

[17]  Jay F. Nunamaker,et al.  A Study of Collaborative Group Work With and Without Computer-Based Support , 1990, Inf. Syst. Res..

[18]  James D. McKeen,et al.  Enhancing Computer-Mediated Communication: An experimental investigation into the use of a Group Decision Support System for face-to-face versus remote meetings , 1990, Inf. Manag..

[19]  John J. Leggett,et al.  Computer-supported co-operative work: research issues for the 90s , 1993, Behav. Inf. Technol..

[20]  Bernard C. Y. Tan,et al.  An empirical study of task type and communication medium in GDSS , 1993, [1993] Proceedings of the Twenty-sixth Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences.

[21]  Sara Kiesler,et al.  Social psychological aspects of computer-mediated communication , 1984 .

[22]  Laku Chidambaram,et al.  Development in electronically-supported groups: a preliminary longitudinal study of distributed and face-to-face meetings , 1994, 1994 Proceedings of the Twenty-Seventh Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences.

[23]  J. McGrath.  Groups: Interaction and Performance , 1984 .

[24]  Leonard Michael Jessup,et al.  Decision Making in an Automated Environment: The Effects of Anonymity and Proximity with a Group Decision Support System* , 1991 .

[25]  Beth H. Jones,et al.  Impact of Communication Medium and Computer Support on Group Perceptions and Performance: A Comparison of Face-to-Face and Dispersed Meetings , 1993, MIS Q..

[26]  David Kirkpatrick,et al.  Groupware Goes Boom , 1995, Computerization and Controversy, 2nd Ed..

[27]  Starr Roxanne Hiltz,et al.  Distributed Group Support Systems , 1993, MIS Q..

[28]  Jay F. Nunamaker,et al.  A Comparison of Laboratory and Field Research in the Study of Electronic Meeting Systems , 1990, J. Manag. Inf. Syst..

[29]  Jay F. Nunamaker,et al.  Information Technology to Support Electronic Meetings , 1988, MIS Q..

[30]  James D. Thompson.  Organizations in Action , 1967 .