This study investigated the impact of communication media (audio conferencing [AC] vs. video-conferencing [VC]) and the use/non-use of group decision support tools (GDST) on group perception and goal satisfaction in synchronous distributed group decision tasks. A factorial design with repeated measures on the communication medium factor was employed. Professionals (n=72) from a large non-profit organization solved real-world tasks in small groups. Perception of social presence, of communication interface, and of communication effectiveness was assessed. Individual personal satisfaction with the meeting process and outcome, and perception of the final decision quality were also measured. The study found that organizations can get all the benefits of using GDST in distrib uted meetings without losing much in terms of perception of com munication interface. If GDST are used, audio-conferencing (AC) is sufficient, since adding video-conferencing (VC) provided little or no additional benefit. Implications for managers are discussed.This document is copyrighted by the American Psychological Association or one of its allied publishers.This article is intended solely for the personal use of the individual user and is not to be disseminated broadly.
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