Abstract
Research shows that, under certain circumstances, people using GSS can be substantially more productive than people who do not. However GSS has been slow to transition into the workplace. This paper argues that the Technology Transition Model (TTM) may be a useful way to explain this seeming paradox. The paper presents a case study of GSS transition in two organizations – one where a self-sustaining and growing community of users emerged, and one where it did not. Following TTM, it explores the frequency with which users perceived cognitive, economic, affective, political, social, and physical value from using the system. Comparison of the cases reveals differences in perceptions of value along several of these dimensions that are consistent with TTM. The findings suggest the model may be a useful way to explain the transition of collaboration technology, but more research will be required to test the model more rigorously.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Agarwal, R. and J. Prasad. (1999). “Are Individual Differences Germane to the Acceptance of New Information Technologies?,” Decision Sciences 30, 361–391.
Bikson, T. K. (1996). “Groupware at The World Bank,” in: Ciborra, C. U. (ed.), Groupware and Teamwork – Invisible Aid or Technical Hindrance?, John Wiley & Sons, Chichester, UK, 145–183.
Briggs, R. O., M. Adkins, D. Mittleman, J. Kruse, S. Miller, and J. F. Jr. Nunamaker. (1998). “A Technology Transition Model Derived from Field Investigation of GSS Use Aboard the U.S.S. CORONADO,” Journal of Management Information Systems 15(3), 151–195.
Briggs, R. O. G. J. de Vreede, and J. F. Jr. Nunamaker. (2003). “Collaboration Engineering with ThinkLets to Pursue Sustained Success with Group Support Systems,” Journal of Management Information Systems 19(4), 31–63.
Davis, F. D. (1989). “Perceived Usefulness, Perceived Ease of Use, and User Acceptance of Information Technology,” MIS Quarterly 13(3), 319–340.
Davis, F. D. (1993). “User Acceptance of Information Technology: System Characteristics, User Perceptions and Behavioral Impacts,” International Journal of Man-Machine Studies 38, 475–487.
Davison, R. M. and R. O. Briggs. (2000). “GSS for Presentation Support,” Communications of the ACM 43(9), 91–97.
Doll, W. J., A. Hendrickson, and X. Deng. (1998). “Using Davis’ Perceived Usefulness and Ease-of-Use Instruments for Decision Making: A Confirmatory and Multigroup Invariance Analysis,” Decision Sciences 29, 839–869.
Fjermestad, J. and S. R. Hiltz. (1999). “An Assessment of Group Support Systems Experimental Research: Methodology and Results,” Journal of Management Information Systems 15(3), 7–149.
Fjermestad, J. and S. R. Hiltz. (2001). “A Descriptive Evaluation of Group Support Systems Case and Field Studies,” Journal of Management Information Systems 17(3), 115–160.
Gordebeke, J. (2002). Ontwerprichtlijnen voor een laagdrempelig Elektronisch Vergadersysteem, Masters of Science Thesis project, Eindhoven Technical University, the Netherlands (in Dutch).
Greenbaum, T. L. (1988). The Handbook for Focus Group Research, New York: Lexington Books.
Lacity, M. C. and M. A. Janson. (1994). “Understanding Qualitative Data: A Framework of Text Analysis Methods,” Journal of Management Information Systems 11(2), 137–155.
MFA (2004). Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The Netherlands Web Page, http://www.minbuza.nl/default.asp?CMS_ITEM=MBZ257568, retrieved May 2004.
Moore, G. C. and I. Benbasat. (1991). “Development of An Instrument to Measure the Perceptions of Adopting an Information Technology Innovation,” Information Systems Research 2(3), 192–222.
Morgan, D. L. (1997). Focus Groups as Qualitative Research (2nd edition), London: Sage Publications.
Myers, M. D. (2004). Qualitative Research in Information Systems, ISWorld Net, http://www.qual.auckland.ac.nz/, retrieved May 2004.
Nunamaker, J. F. Jr., R. O. Briggs, D. D. Mittleman, D. R. Vogel, and P.A. Balthazard. (1997). “Lessons From A Dozen Years of Group Support Systems Research: A Discussion of Lab and Field Findings,” Journal of Management Information Systems 13(3), 163–207.
Orlikowski, W. J. (1992). “The Duality of Technology: Rethinking the Concept of Technology in Organizations,” Organization Science 3(3), 398–427.
Orlikowski, W. J. (2000). “Using Technology and Constituting Structures: A Practice Lens for Studying Technology in Organizations,” Organization Science 11(4), 404–428.
Parthasarathy, M. and A. Battacherjee. (1998). “Understanding Post-Adoption Behavior in the Context of Online Services,” Information Systems Research 9(4), 362–379.
Rogers, E. M. (1995). Diffusion of Innovations (4th Edition). New York: The Free Press.
Straub, D. W., M. Keil, and W. Brennan. (1997). “Testing the Technology Acceptance Model across Cultures: A Three Country Study,” Information and Management 33, 1–11.
Venkatesh, V. and F. D. Davis. (2000). “A Theoretical Extension of the Technology Acceptance Model: Four Longitudinal Field Studies,” Management Science 46(2), 186–204.
Vogel, D. and G. J. de Vreede. (1999). “The Organizational Application Of GSS: A Comparison Across Time And National Boundaries,” in: Vreede, G. J. de and Ackermann, F. (eds.) Proceedings of the 10th EuroGDSS Workshop, Copenhagen, 22 June 1999.
Yin, R. K. (1994). Case Study Research: Design and Methods (2nd edition), London: Sage Publications Ltd.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Agres, A.B., de Vreede, GJ. & Briggs, R.O. A Tale of Two Cities: Case Studies of Group Support Systems Transition. Group Decis Negot 14, 267–284 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10726-005-0315-6
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10726-005-0315-6