The role of controlled and dynamic process environments in group decision making: An exploratory study

Abstract

Information systems have focussed on controlling the decision-making environment, whereas in real life groups operate in an uncontrolled, asynchronous environment. In this article, we examine existing information system research on groups, analyze the role played by the process environment on the quality of group decisions, and argue the need for the design and research into information systems for uncontrolled dynamic environments. The recent growth of the Internet and Internet-mediated simulations provide unique uncontrolled environments for group decision making. We recommend that researchers in information systems and in group decision making these Internet-mediated simulations for additional research in the area of decision making in uncontrolled dynamic environments.Research on groups has been conducted for the past 50 years. In recent years, studies have focused on utilizing information technology in helping groups make decisions. Although early research provided aids or tools that group members could use for decision making without affecting the process environment in which decisions are made, more recent research has concentrated on controlling group interaction with the objective of making it more efficient.Information systems for group decision making can be categorized into two types: systems that utilize a controlled environment in which groups make decisions and systems that enable groups to make decisions in an uncontrolled or dynamic environment. In a controlled environment, the information system controls all communication between group members, whereas in a dynamic environment, the information system used makes no attempt to control group interaction but provides tools and techniques for decision making in an uncontrolled setting. Group Support Systems (GSS) are information systems that provide a controlled environment for group decision making.Although GSS have their distinct advantages, most group decisions in real life are still made in a uncontrolled, asynchronous environment. Therefore, it is very important that we study the differences between various types of group decision making research. Moreover, recent advances in Internet technology, and Internet-mediated

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