Relational Development in Computer-Supported Groups.

Author List: Chidambaram, Laku;

MIS Quarterly, 1996, Volume 20, Issue 2, Page 143-165.

This study examines how group attitudes and outcomes evolve over time with repeated use of a group support system. Social Information Processing (SIP) theory, which suggests that relational intimacy may take longer to develop in computer-supported groups, was used as the basis for testing a temporally bounded model of group behavior. The basic argument underlying this model is that computer-supported groups, given adequate time, will exchange enough social information to develop strong relational links. Thus, while computer support was expected to limit group interactions initially, the model predicted that, over a period of time, such constraints would dissipate. The results show evidence of such shifts among computer-supported groups. Attitudes of GSS users changed over time from highly negative to somewhat positive; outcomes improved more slowly. The turnaround in attitudes of users-toward each other and the interaction process support the SIP perspective that repeated use of computer support - despite some inherent initial restrictions--can help groups affiliate.

Keywords: affiliation motive in groups; Group support systems (GSS); relational development; social information processing; media richness

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List of Topics

#257	0.235	group support groups meeting gdss decision systems meetings technology study electronic ems task process communication computer-supported outcomes quality consensus face-to-face
#25	0.160	relationships relationship relational information interfirm level exchange relations perspective model paper interpersonal expertise theory study effects literature role social identify
#279	0.149	field work changes new years time change major period year end use past early century half traditional areas established strong
#275	0.091	perceptions attitudes research study impacts importance perceived theory results perceptual perceive perception impact relationships basis significant positive reported common individuals
#191	0.073	model models process analysis paper management support used environment decision provides based develop use using help literature mathematical presented formulation
#188	0.067	processes interaction new interactions temporal structure research emergent process theory address temporally core discussion focuses area underlying deep structures way