A Group Decision Support System (GDSS) is "... an interactive, computer-based system which facilitates solution of unstructured problems by a set of decision makers working together as a group" (DeSanctis and Gallupe, 1985). This study examined the impact of using a GDSS on group development and decision making performance in a controlled laboratory environment.
This study specifically examined the following four questions: (1) Does computer support affect the performance of decision making groups? (2) Does computer support affect the development of decision making groups? (3) Are the patterns of performance different between computer supported and manual groups? (4) Are the patterns of development different between computer supported and manual groups?
These questions were studied using a two-factorial repeated measures research design. This is the first GDSS study to use a repeated measures design. The specific variables of interest in this study are outlined: (1) Independent variables. Computer support and group history. (2) Dependent variables. Group development and decision making performance. (3) Controlled variables. Task type, task complexity, task structure, group size, individual differences (through randomization), physical environment, time taken to make decisions, and facilitation.
The study used 28 groups of 5 members each (140 subjects) to examine the above four questions. Half the groups received computer support and half did not. Each group met once a week for four weeks. Results showed that there were significant differences in group development and decision making performance between groups that received computer support and groups that did not.