Relation between GDSS use and group task complexity: an experimental study

Abstract

A laboratory experiment was conducted to explore the influence of GDSS on decision quality, decision time, and user satisfaction under different levels of group-task complexity. Fourty-eight groups each consisting of three members were assigned to four experimental treatments that differed in setting (non-GDSS or GDSS) and in group decision task complexity (low complexity or high). Data were obtained on the decision quality, decision time and participant satisfaction. The findings indicate that, compared to working in a non-GDSS setting, the particular GDSS setting used (i) was more effective in solving complex problems, (ii) required more time for a low complexity task but non a high-complexity task, and (iii) resulted in lower satisfaction for a low complexity task but a higher satisifaction for a high complexity task. These findings help identify what type of group problems are better suited for GDSS use.