http://www.loc.gov/mods/v3 http://www.loc.gov/standards/mods/v3/mods-3-2.xsd
effects of decision schemes on small group decision processes and outcomes
The primary purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of two decision schemes (nominal voting (NV) and Lehrer-Wagner rational consensus method (L-W)) in the context of group decision support systems (GDSS). The NV scheme is used in all existing GDSS. The L-W scheme has been proposed as a formalized procedure for reaching a consensus to which all group members are rationally committed. This scheme has not been employed in any GDSS and has not been tested empirically. The relative effectiveness of the two decision schemes was assessed for dependent variables covering decision quality and perceived satisfaction with the decision processes and outcomes. The physical setting, task, subjects, time, and group characteristics were controlled. Performance criteria for decision outcome was defined in two constructs: decision accuracy and decision acceptance. Performance criteria for decision process was defined in four constructs: information utilization, subjective rationality, adoptability, and social-emotional climate. An experiment was conducted to compare the effects of the L-W and NV schemes on the dependent variables. Forty student groups from an upper-division, undergraduate MIS class participated. A task scenario was developed in the context of a business simulation game called the Business Management Laboratory (BML). The criterion for evaluation of decision quality was based on how close the group decision was to the best one obtained through BML simulation runs. Group members' perceptions of the decision processes and outcomes were measured by a self-report questionnaire. Based on MANOVA tests, significant differences were found to exist between the treatment means at the 5% significance level. Univariate tests identified the following findings. The L-W scheme generated more accurate group decisions than the NV scheme and resulted in both positive and negative effects on group members' perceptions. The findings of the study suggested a contingency approach to the evaluation of the L-W theory. That is, the L-W scheme might be appropriate in a certain decision-making context, where the social-emotional climate is less important. The limitations and contributions of this study were discussed, as well as areas for future research.