The effect of task difficulty on accounting-based decisions in face-to-face versus computer-mediated group settings : an experimental investigation /
This study investigates the effect of task difficulty on
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| Format: | Thesis Book |
| Language: | English |
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[Place of publication not identified] :
[publisher not identified] ;
1997.
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://proxy.library.tamu.edu/login?url=http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=739842001&sid=1&Fmt=2&clientId=2945&RQT=309&VName=PQD |
| Summary: | This study investigates the effect of task difficulty on accounting-based decisions in a face-to-face versus computer- mediated setting. Although the benefits accruing to group support system (GSS) technology have been examined in the literature, the effect of task difficulty on the use of a GSS has not been fully explored. This research project involves an experiment employing a 2x2 (communication medium x task difficulty) factorial design. Upper-level undergraduate and MBA students met in three- or four-person face-to-face groups and via a GSS called The Meeting Room. Each group of students was required to work through a task that was set at one of two levels of difficulty. Data were collected via pre- and post-experiment questionnaires and from transcripts of the group meetings. The variables examined include measures of decision performance and of user perceptions. The decision performance variables include decision quality, number of unique alternative solutions generated, and time needed to complete the task. The user perception variables include satisfaction with the group process, satisfaction with the group's decision, and confidence in the group's decision. The results of the analyses indicate that the GSS- mediated groups reached a higher quality decision than did the face-to-face groups, with the difference in decision quality being more pronounced in the difficult task condition. Even though they produced higher quality decisions, the GSS-mediated groups expressed a need for more time to complete the task than did the face-to-face groups. Although they did generate more unique alternative solutions than did the face-to-face groups for both the easy and the difficult task, the difference was not statistically significant. The GSSmediated groups were less satisfied with the group process and the group's decision than were the face-to-face groups. Finally, even though they were significantly less satisfied with their decision, the GSS- mediated groups were not less confident in their decision than were the face-to-face groups. The GSS-mediated groups indicated slightly more confidence in their decision than the face-to-face groups. This difference, however, was not significant. |
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| Item Description: | Vita. "Major Subject: Accounting". |
| Physical Description: | xii, 122 leaves : illustrations ; 28 cm. Issued also on microfiche from University Microfilms Inc. |
| Bibliography: | Includes bibliographical references: pages 73-81. |