Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Coordination Structures and System Restrictiveness in Distributed Group Support Systems

  • Published:
Group Decision and Negotiation Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Most GSS research has studied the impact of restricting group interaction to GSS-prescribed coordination structures with face-to-face groups, while Distributed GSS (DGSS) has been largely ignored. Due to the nature of mediated communication in asynchronous interaction, it is relatively difficult to coordinate distributed groups, and a special coordination structure must be arranged to overcome these difficulties. This study examines the effect of system restrictiveness of coordination structures in an asynchronous environment. A 2 × 2 factorial experiment was designed with two independent variables – sequential vs. parallel coordination mode, and with vs. without a leader – to construct coordination structures with varying degrees of restrictiveness. The study finds that less restrictive coordination structures are more appropriate to support asynchronously interacting distributed groups. Objective decision quality is equal for both parallel and sequential coordination mode, but is significantly better with a group leader. Groups with parallel coordination mode have a stronger belief that the decisions they made are of higher quality than those of groups with sequential coordination mode. In groups with a leader, communication effectiveness is better. Satisfaction with a decision process is higher in parallel coordination groups and in groups with a leader. There is also a significant interaction effect. Satisfaction with the decision process is higher in sequential coordination groups with a leader than sequential coordination groups without a leader.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Anson, R., R. Bostrom, and B. Wynne. (1995). “An Experiment Assessing Group Support System and Facilitator Effects on Meeting Outcomes,” Management Science 41(2), 189-208.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bendifallah, S., and W. Scacchi. (1989). “Work Structures and Shifts: An Empirical Analysis of Software Specification Teamwork,” Proceedings of the Eleventh International Conference on Software Engineering, 260-270.

  • Briggs, R. O., J. Nunamaker, and R. H. Sprague. (1997-1998). “1001 Unanswered Research Questions in GSS,” Journal of Management Information Systems 4(3), 3-21.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chidambaram, L., R. P. Bostrom, and B. E. Wynne. (1990-1991). “A Longitudinal Study of the Impact of Group Decision Support Systems on Group Development,” Journal of Management Information Systems 7(3), 7-25.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chidambaram, L., and B. Jones. (1993). “Impact of Communication Medium and Computer Support on Group Perceptions and Performance: A Comparison of Face-to-Face and Dispersed Meetings,” MIS Quarterly 17(4), 465-491.

    Google Scholar 

  • Clawson, V. K., and R. P. Bostrom. (1993). “The Role of the Facilitator in Computer-Supported Meetings,” Small Group Research 24(4), 547-565.

    Google Scholar 

  • Connolly, T, L. M. Jessup, and J. S. Valacich. (1990). “Effects of Anonymity and Evaluative Tone on Idea Generation in Computer-Mediated Groups,” Management Science 36(6), 689-703.

    Google Scholar 

  • Daft, R. L., and R. H. Lengel. (1986). “Organizational Information Requirements, Media Richness and Structural Design,” Management Science 32(5), 554-571.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dennis, A. R., J. F. George, L. M. Jessup, J. F. Nunamaker, and D. R. Vogel. (1988). “Information Technology to Support Electronic Meetings,” MIS Quarterly 12(4), 591-616.

    Google Scholar 

  • DeSanctis, G., and R. Gallupe. (1987). “A Foundation for the Study of Group Decision Support Systems,” Management Science 33(5), 589-609.

    Google Scholar 

  • DeSanctis, G., M. D'Onofrio, V. Sambammurthy, and M. S. Poole. (1989) “Comprehensiveness and Restrictiveness in Group Decision Heuristics: Effects of Computer Support on Consensus Decision Making,” Proceedings of the Tenth International Conference on Information Systems, 131-140.

  • DeSanctis, G., and M. S. Poole. (1994). “Capturing the Complexity in Advanced Technology Use: Adaptive Structuration Theory,” Organization Science 5(2), 121-147.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dickson, G., J. L. Partridge, and L. Robinson. (1993). “Exploring Modes of Facilitative Support for GDSS Technology”, MIS Quarterly 17(2), 173-194.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dubrovsky, V. J., S. Kiesler, and B. N. Sethan. (1991). “The Equalization Phenomenon: Status Effects in Computer-Mediated and Face-to-Face Decision Making Groups,” Human Computer Interaction 6(2), 119-146.

    Google Scholar 

  • Easton, A., J. F. George, J. F. Nunamaker, and M. O. Pendergast. (1990). “Using Two Different Electronic Meeting System Tools for the Same Task: An Experimental Comparison,” Journal of Management Information Systems 7(1), 85-100.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fjermestad, J., and S. R. Hiltz. (1998-1999). “An Assessment of Group Support Systems Experimental Research: Methodology and Results,” Journal of Management Information Systems 15(3), 7-149.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gopal, A., R. O. Bostrom, and Y. Chin. (1992-1993). “Applying Adaptive Structuration Theory to Investigate the Process of Group Support Systems Use,” Journal of Management Information Systems 9(3), 45-69.

    Google Scholar 

  • Griffith, T. L., M. A. Fuller, and G. B. Northcraft. (1998). “Facilitator Influence in Group Support Systems: Intended and Unintended Effects,” Information Systems Research 9(1), 20-36.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hackman, J. R., and C. G. Morris. (1975). “Group Tasks, Group Interaction Process, and Group Performance Effectiveness: A Review and Proposed Integration,” in L. Berkowitz (ed.), Advances in Experimental Social Psychology (Vol. 8). New York: Academic Press, 45-99.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hightower, R., and L. Sayeed. (1996). “Effects of Communication Mode and Prediscussion Information Distribution Characteristics on Information Exchange in Groups,” Information Systems Research 7(4), 451-465.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hiltz, S. R., K. Johnson, and M. Turoff. (1991). “Group Decision Support: The Effects of Designated Human Leaders and Statistical Feedback in Computerized Conferences,” Journal of Management Information Systems 8(2), 81-108.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hiltz, S. R., K. Johnson, and M. Turoff. (1982). “The Effects of Formal Human Leadership and Computer-Generated Decision Aids on Problem Solving via Computer: A Controlled Experiment,” Research Report No. 18, Computerized Conferencing and Communication Center, New Jersey Institute of Technology.

  • Hiltz, S. R., and K. Johnson. (1990). “User Satisfaction with Computer-Mediated Communication Systems,” Management Science 36(6), 739-764.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hiltz, S. R., and M. Turoff. (1978/1993). M., The Network Nation: Human Communication via Computer. Reading, MA: Addison-Wesley Co.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ho, T. H., and K. S. Raman. (1991). “The Effect of GDSS and Elected Leadership on Small Group Meetings,” Journal of Management Information Systems 8(2), 109-133.

    Google Scholar 

  • Horton, M., and D. Biolsi. (1993-1994). “Coordination Challenges in a Computer-Supported Meeting Environment,” Journal of Management Information Systems 10(3), 7-24.

    Google Scholar 

  • House, R. J. (1971). “A Path Goal Theory of Leader Effectiveness,” Administrative Science Quarterly 16, 321-338.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jago, A. G. (1982). “Leadership: Perspectives in Theory and Research,” Management Science 28(3), 315-336.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jarvenpaa, S. L., V. S. Rao, and G. P. Huber. (1988). “Computer Support for Meetings of Medium-Sized Groups Working on Unstructured Problems: A Field Experiment,” MIS Quarterly 12(4), 645-665.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jessup, L. M., T. Connolly, and J. Galegher. (1990). “The Effects of Anonymity on GDSS Group Process with an Idea-Generating Task,” MIS Quarterly 14(3), 313-322.

    Google Scholar 

  • Keen, P. W. G., and S. Morton. (1978). Decision Support Systems: An Organizational Perspective. Reading, MA: Addison-Wesley.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kim, Y. J., S. R. Hiltz, and M. Turoff. (1998). “Coordination Structure and System Restrictiveness in Distributed Group Support Systems: An Experiment on Coordination Mode and Leadership,” Proceedings of the Thirty-first Annual Hawaii International Conference on Systems Sciences, 145-153.

  • Kraemer, K. L., and J. L. King. (1988). “Computer-Based Systems for Cooperative Work and Group Decision Making,” ACM Computing Surveys 20(2), 115-146.

    Google Scholar 

  • Malone, T. W., and K. Crowston. (1990). “What Is Coordination Theory And How Can It Help Design Cooperative Work Systems?,” Proceedings of the Conference on Computer-Supported Cooperative Work, 257-270.

  • Mason, R., and I. Mitroff. (1973). “A Program for Research on Management Information Systems,” Management Science 19(5), 475-487.

    Google Scholar 

  • McGrath, J. E. (1984). Groups: Interaction and Performance. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall.

    Google Scholar 

  • McLeod, P. L., and J. K. Liker. (1992). “Electronic Meeting Systems: Evidence From a Low Structure Environment,” Information Systems Research 3(3), 195-223.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mennecke, B. E., H. A. Hoffer, and B. E. Wynne. (1992). “The Implications of Group Development and History for Group Support System Theory and Practice,” Small Group Research 23(4), 524-572.

    Google Scholar 

  • Niederman, F., C. M. Beise, and P. M. Beranek. (1996). “Issues and Concerns about Computer-Supported Meetings: The Facilitator's Perspective,” MIS Quarterly 20(1), 1-22.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nunamaker, J. F., A. R. Dennis, J. S. Valacich, D. R. Vogel, and J. F. George. (1991). “Electronic Meeting Systems to Support Group Work,” Communications of the ACM 346(7), 40-59.

    Google Scholar 

  • Payne, J. W. (1982). “Contingent Decision Behavior,” Psychological Bulletin 92(2), 382-402.

    Google Scholar 

  • Poole, M. S. (1986). “Developmental Processes in Group Decision-Making,” in R. Hirokawa and M.S. Poole (eds.), Communication and Group Decision-Making 35-61.

  • Poole, M. S., and G. DeSanctis. (1992). “Microlevel Structuration in Computer-supported Group Decision Making,” Human Communication Research 196(1), 5-49.

    Google Scholar 

  • Poole, M.S. and G. DeSanctis. (1990). “Understanding the Use of Group Decision Support Systems: The Theory of an Appropriation Process,” in Fulk, J., and Steinfield, C. (eds.), Organizations and Communication Technology Newbury Park, CA: Sage.

    Google Scholar 

  • Putnam, L. L. (1979). “Preference for Procedural Order in Task-oriented Small Groups,” Communication Monographs 46, 193-218.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rana, A. R., M. Turoff, and R. Hiltz. (1997). “Task and Technology Interaction (TTI): A Theory of Technological Support for Group Tasks,” Proceedings of the Thirtieth Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences 2, 66-75.

    Google Scholar 

  • Simon, H. A., and A. Newell. (1971). “Human Problem Solving: The State of the Theory in 1970,” American Psychologist 26, 145-159.

    Google Scholar 

  • Short, J., E. Williams, and B. Christie. (1976). The Social Psychology of Telecommunication. New York: John Wiley.

    Google Scholar 

  • Siegel, J., V. Dubrovsky, and S. Kiesler. (1986). “Group Processes in Computer-Mediated Communication,” Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes 37, 157-158.

    Google Scholar 

  • Silver, M. S. (1990). “Decision Support Systems: Directed and Nondirected Change,” Information Systems Research 1(1), 47-70.

    Google Scholar 

  • Steeb, R., and S. C. Johnston. (1981). “A Computer-Based Interactive System for Group Decision-making,” IEEE Transactions on Systems, Man, and Cybernetics 11(8), 544-552.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tindale, R. S. (1989). “Group vs. Individual Information Processing: The Effects of Outcome Feedback on Decision Making,” Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes 44, 454-473.

    Google Scholar 

  • Trevino, L. K., R. H. Lengel, and R. L. Daft. (1987). “Media Symbolism and Media Choice in Organizations: A Symbolic Interactionist Perspective,” Communication Research 14, 553-574.

    Google Scholar 

  • Turoff, M. (1991). “Computer Mediated Communication Requirements for Group Support,” Organizational Computing 1(1), 85-113.

    Google Scholar 

  • Turoff, M., and S. R. Hiltz. (1982). “Computer Support for Group Versus Individual Decisions,” IEEE Transactions on Communication 30(1), 82-92.

    Google Scholar 

  • Turoff, M., S. R. Hiltz, A. Baghat, and A. Rana. (1993). “Distributed Group Support Systems,” MIS Quarterly 17(4), 399-417.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vessey, I., and D. Galletta. (1991). “Cognitive Fit: An Empirical Study of Information Acquisition,” Information Systems Research 2(1), 63-48.

    Google Scholar 

  • Watson, R. T., G. DeSanctis, and M. C. Poole. (1988). “Using a GDSS to Facilitate Group Consensus: Some Intended and Unintended Consequences,” MIS Quarterly 12(3), 463-477.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wheeler, B. C., and J. S. Valacich. (1996). “Facilitation, GSS, and Training as Sources of Process Restrictiveness and Guidance for Structured Group Decision Making: An Empirical Assessment,” Information Systems Research 7(4), 429-450.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wheeler, B. C., B. E. Mennecke, and J. N. Scudder. (1993). “Restrictive Group Support Systems as a Source of Process Structure for High and Low Procedural Order Groups”, Small Group Research 24(4), 504-522.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zigurs, I., and B. K. Buckland. (1998). “A Theory of Task/Technology Fit and Group Support Systems,” MIS Quarterly 22(3), 313-331.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zigurs, I., M. S. Poole, and G. L. DeSanctis. (1988). “A Study of Influence in Computer-Mediated Group Decision Making,” MIS Quarterly 12(4), 625-644.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Graduate School of Business Administration, Fordham University, 113 West 60th Street, NY, 10023, USA

    Youngjin Kim

  2. Department of Computer and Information Science, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ, 07102, USA

    Starr Roxanne Hiltz & Murray Turoff

Authors
  1. Youngjin Kim
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Starr Roxanne Hiltz
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Murray Turoff
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Kim, Y., Hiltz, S.R. & Turoff, M. Coordination Structures and System Restrictiveness in Distributed Group Support Systems. Group Decision and Negotiation 11, 379–404 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1020492305910

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1020492305910

Search

Navigation