An experimental study on effectiveness of Group Decision Support Systems in idea generation

The authors have used various information technologies (IT) in group decision-making for increasing effectiveness and satisfaction of group decision-making process. Recently, a new form of IT, so called Group Decision Support System (GDSS), was introduced into group decision-making process. Previous experimental studies about effectiveness of GDSS have been inconsistent and the results were mixed. There was no empirical studies about GDSS in Korea. In this study, the authors divide two groups-GDSS supported group and traditional face-to-face group-and investigate impacts of GDSS on group decision-making processes and outcomes. An idea generation task for operational action plan development, implementing CEO’s strategic vision, served as the decision-making context. Supported GDSS is GroupSystems V, which had been developed by Univ. of Arizona. It was translated to Korean. According to the results, the number of nonredundant ideas in GDSS group is two or three times more than non-GDSS group. GDSS group feel more equal status, have better interpersonal relationship, have more confidence on group decision than non-GDSS group. But satisfaction of participants on decision-making process and outcome has not showed a significant difference between the two groups, because all the participants in the GDSS group were novice to GDSS. With these results the authors suggest further studies on transforming western type GDSS to Korean decision-making culture. It will be the cornerstone for development of GDSS in Korean decision-making culture and environment. [In Korean.]