THE EFFECTS OF ELECTRONIC MEETINGS ON GROUP PROCESSES AND OUTCOMES - AN ASSESSMENT OF THE EMPIRICAL-RESEARCH

In this paper we analyze the empirical research on the impacts of electronic meetings on group processes and outcomes. We define and differentiate two broad types of electronic meeting systems: Group Decision Support Systems (GDSS) and Group Communication Support Systems (GCSS). We then present a framework and method for analyzing the impacts of such information systems on groups that we develop from the literature of organization behavior and group psychology. We review the empirical research and findings concerned with the impacts of GDSS and GCSS on groups, and we compare and contrast these findings. Finally, we conclude by discussing the implications of our analysis on the focus of attention and the design of future research. Our review of the empirical research suggests that GDSS and GCSS have similar impacts on some aspects of group processes and outcomes, but opposite impacts on other aspects. GDSS and GCSS both increase the depth of analysis of groups, increase participation, decrease domination by a few members, and increase decision quality. On the other hand, GDSS increase consensus reaching, decrease decision time, increase confidence in the decision by the group members, increase the satisfaction of group members with the process, and increase the satisfaction of the group members with the decision. GCSS decrease cooperation, increase the time to reach a decision, and decrease the confidence in decisions. © 1990.