Information Is What You Make of It: The Influence of Group History and Computer Support on Information Sharing, Decision Quality, and Member Perceptions

Abstract:Researchers have proposed that the contradictions observed between past group support system (GSS) laboratory and field research may be partially accounted for by the ad-hoc nature of the groups that are often used in the laboratory. To examine this, a laboratory experiment examining the influence of group history (i.e., established versus ad-hoc groups) and the level of computer support (i.e., communicating via a computer-mediated system versus face-to-face) was conducted. Dependent variables examined in the research include information-sharing performance, decision quality, and member perceptions. Subjects completed a hidden profile task—a task where some information is held by all group members prior to the meeting, while other information is held only by a subset of the group. As expected, established groups discussed less unique information than ad-hoc groups. In addition, information sharing was positively related to the quality of group decisions. Members of established groups were more satisfied than members of ad-hoc groups; members using the computermediated system were less satisfied than those communicating face-to-face. In addition, group cohesion was positively related to satisfaction and decision quality. The results are discussed in the context of prior theory and research. Opportunities for future research are also described.Key Words and Phrases: decision-group historygroup cohesiongroup support systemsinformation sharing Additional informationNotes on contributorsBrian E. MenneckeBrian E. Mennecke is an Assistant Professor of Management Information Systems at East Carolina University. He received his Ph.D. in management information systems from Indiana University. His research interests include the diffusion of technology in organizations, geographic information systems, spatial decision support systems, spatial data warehousing, group decision support systems, and collaborative learning technologies. His past research has appeared in publications such as Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, Small Group Research, the International Journal of Human-Computer Studies, Journal of Global Information Management, Journal of Computer Information Systems, and a number of national and international conference proceedings.Joseph S. ValacichJoseph S. Valacich is an Associate Professor of Management Information Systems and is the George and Carolyn Hubman Distinguished Professor in Information Systems at Washington State University. He received a B.S. in computer science and M.B.A. from the University of Montana, and a Ph.D. in information systems from the University of Arizona. Dr. Valacich worked in the information systems field as a programmer, systems analyst, and technical product manager. His current research interests include technology-mediated group decision making, electronic commerce, the diffusion of technology in organizations, and distance learning. His past research has appeared in publications such as MIS Quarterly, Information Systems Research, Management Science, Academy of Management Journal, Communications of the ACM, Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, and Journal of Applied Psychology. He is the author of Group Support Systems: New Perspectives and Modern Systems Analysis and Design. His third book on Information Technology Management is forthcoming in 1998.