Group decision support: The effects of designated human leaders and statistical feedback in computerized conferences

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-1991

Abstract

Twenty-four groups of five professionals and managers used computer conferences to reach agreement on the best solution to a complex ranking problem. Two software tools for structuring the conferences were employed in a two-by-two factorial design. Groups with "designated leadership" (DL) used software support to elect a discussion leader. Groups with "statistical feedback" (SF) were presented with tables periodically that displayed the mean rank and degree of consensus for each item. DL improved levels of consensus; in the absence of a leader, SF improved level of agreement slightly. Statistical feedback as operationalized in this experiment was detrimental to the ability of a group to achieve "collective intelligence," defined as a group decision better than the prediscussion decision of any of its individual members. Characteristics of the individuals and groups were also associated with variations in outcomes. © M.E. Sharpe, Inc., 1991.

Identifier

0011006867 (Scopus)

Publication Title

Journal of Management Information Systems

External Full Text Location

https://doi.org/10.1080/07421222.1991.11517922

ISSN

07421222

First Page

81

Last Page

108

Issue

2

Volume

8

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