Using Two Different Electronic Meeting System Tools for the Same Task: An Experimental Comparison.

Author List: Easton, George K.; George, Joey F.; Nunamaker, Jr., Jay F.; Pendergast, Mark O.;
Journal of Management Information Systems, 1990, Volume 7, Issue 1, Page 85-100.
Various aspects of the design and use of Electronic Meeting Systems (EMS) have been investigated in laboratory and field studies, but until now no one has systematically investigated the role of EMS software on group performance. The current study compares two different EMS software tools in a controlled experiment. Dependent variables are decision quality, number of unique alternatives generated, satisfaction, and consensus. The study found that one software tool produced better quality solutions to a combination creativity and intellective task, but the other helped generate more unique alternatives. Each tool worked best on the task for which it was designed. The findings support the authors' premise that there should be a match between the EMS software tool and the task to be performed. The findings have several implications for the design of EMS software.
Keywords: electronic meeting systems;group decision support systems;group performance;software tools
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List of Topics

#257 0.261 group support groups meeting gdss decision systems meetings technology study electronic ems task process communication computer-supported outcomes quality consensus face-to-face
#51 0.190 results study research experiment experiments influence implications conducted laboratory field different indicate impact effectiveness future participants evidence test controlled involving
#295 0.135 task fit tasks performance cognitive theory using support type comprehension tools tool effects effect matching types theories modification working time
#207 0.123 design artifacts alternative method artifact generation approaches alternatives tool science generate set promising requirements evaluation problem designed incentives components addressing
#142 0.097 creativity ideas idea creative individual generation techniques individuals problem support cognitive ideation stimuli memory generate enhance generated solutions solving quality
#232 0.078 software development product functionality period upgrade sampling examines extent suggests factors considered useful uncertainty previous called complementarities greater cost present