A Study of Influence in Computer-Mediated Group Decision Making

Ilze Zigurs; Μ. Scott Poole; Gerardine L. DeSanctis

doi:10.2307/249136

journal article Dec 01, 1988

A Study of Influence in Computer-Mediated Group Decision Making

Ilze Zigurs Μ. Scott Poole Gerardine L. DeSanctis

MIS Quarterly Vol. 12 No. 4 pp. 625-644 · MIS Quarterly

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Abstract

An emerging body of research in group decision support systems (GDSS) provides evidence that computer technology can and does impact the quality of decision making in groups. Most GDSS research is oriented toward examining the effects of a computer system on group outcomes, typically decision quality or group consensus, with the process itself often treated as a "black box." The research reported in this article addresses the need for a closer, microlevel examination of group process. An important group variable, namely influence behavior, was isolated and examined at various levels and by multiple methods.
A model of specific GDSS effects on influence behavior was developed, based on an information exchange view of decision making and on the impact of a GDSS as a communication channel. Based on the research questions of interest in the study, several propositions and hypotheses were advanced and empirically tested on a specific implementation of a GDSS. Results were analyzed both quantitatively and qualitatively. The major empirical findings of the study showed no significant difference between the overall amount of influence behavior attempted in computer-supported versus unsupported groups, although significant differences were found in the pattern of influence behaviors, i.e., the different types of behaviors used. In addition, the distribution of influence behavior was more even in GDSS groups than in unsupported groups on one of two measures used. Empirical findings partially supported the research model, with indications that decisionmaking groups need more active guidance in understanding how to adapt computer support technology to their view of decision-making processes.

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Details

Published: Dec 01, 1988
Vol/Issue: 12(4)
Pages: 625-644

Authors

I

Ilze Zigurs

Management Science and Information Systems Division, College of Business,University of Colorado Boulder, CO 80309

�

Μ. Scott Poole

Department of Speech- Communication, College of Liberal Arts, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455

G

Gerardine L. DeSanctis

Department of Information and Decision Sciences, Carlson School of Management, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455

Cite This Article

Ilze Zigurs, Μ. Scott Poole, Gerardine L. DeSanctis (1988). A Study of Influence in Computer-Mediated Group Decision Making. MIS Quarterly, 12(4), 625-644. https://doi.org/10.2307/249136

A Study of Influence in Computer-Mediated Group Decision Making

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