Communication and Problem Solving in Diverse Groups. A Comparison of Electronic Meeting Systems' Use in Dispersed and Face-to-Face Settings.

Abstract

The hybrid nature of an electronic meeting system (EMS)-as a communication medium and as a manager of diversity-offers organizations an excellent vehicle for improving group performance, handling stress, and building cohesive teams. This report describes a project that examined the performance and behavior of various decision making groups using an EMS in face-to-face and dispersed settings. Results of this study suggest that the proper task-technology-team fit is a critical factor in determining outcomes. In other words, homogeneous groups needing to discuss issues and resolve ambiguities may require face-to-face meetings, while diverse groups may be able to accomplish the same tasks in dispersed settings using an EMS. However, where the goal is information exchange and uncertainty reduction, lean media such as dispersed EMS may be used just as effectively as any other media by all groups, regardless of their degree of diversity.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 01, 1996
Accession Number
ADA310049

Entities

People

  • Laku Chidambaram
  • Maid Igbaria

Organizations

  • University of HawaiĘ»i System

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • C4I
  • Human Systems
  • Materials and Manufacturing Processes

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Business Administration
  • Communication Channels
  • Communication Systems
  • Computers
  • Electronic Mail
  • Group Dynamics
  • Information Exchange
  • Information Processing
  • Information Systems
  • Local Area Networks
  • New York
  • Organizational Structure
  • Personality
  • Psychology
  • Social Psychology
  • Social Sciences
  • United States

Readers

  • Agent-Based Social Robotics and Mobile-Assisted Learning in Virtual Environments.
  • Organizational Process Management (OPM).
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • Microelectronics