Information Overload: Addressing the Productivity Paradox in Face-to-Face Electronic Meetings.

Author List: GrisŽ, Mary-Liz; Gallupe, R. Brent;
Journal of Management Information Systems, 1999, Volume 16, Issue 3, Page 157-185.
The Electronic Brainstorming System (EBS) is a group support system (GSS) tool considered particularly productive in supporting idea generation. Unfortunately, as computer-supported groups are confronted with larger numbers of ideas and supporting comments to organize and evaluate, they may experience information overload. This study explores the problem of information overload within the context of an idea-organization task in a face-to-face electronic meeting. Integrative Complexity Theory provides the primary theoretical foundation, and an Information Overload Model for GSS is introduced. Results from a laboratory experiment provide support for the idea that effective GSS tools can be designed based on a theoretical understanding of information processing, in particular, how information is processed under conditions of high information load. Use of a GSS tool designed to regulate the flow of information, called an Idea Regulator, led subjects to organize ideas with higher levels of complexity, but they also reported higher levels of mental workload. This research suggests that particular attention to the problem of information overload, and research focused on finding theory-based solutions, can lead to more effective meetings.
Keywords: electronic brainstorming; group support systems; information overload; Integrative Complexity Theory
Algorithm:

List of Topics

#233 0.212 group gss support groups systems brainstorming research process electronic members results paper effects individual ebs using used anonymity ideas discussion
#258 0.167 information proximity message seeking perceived distance communication overload context geographic dispersed higher geographically task contexts recipient face-to-face temporal safe dyadic
#257 0.152 group support groups meeting gdss decision systems meetings technology study electronic ems task process communication computer-supported outcomes quality consensus face-to-face
#170 0.124 information processing needs based lead make exchange situation examined ownership analytical improved situations changes informational examine developed receive perceptions facilitates
#181 0.124 outcomes theory nature interaction theoretical paradox versus interpersonal literature provides individual levels understanding dimensions addition foundation various understand productivity work
#31 0.082 problem problems solution solving problem-solving solutions reasoning heuristic theorizing rules solve general generating complex example formulation heuristics effective given finding
#224 0.054 complexity task environments e-business environment factors technology characteristics literature affect influence role important relationship model organizational contingent actual map dimension