IBM’s experiences with GroupSystems

IBM has used GroupSystems, a collection of software tools that support group work developed at the University of Arizona, to conduct both intra- and inter-organizational sessions within IBM and among IBM associates and customers. Research conducted by the University of Arizona and IBM indicates that this information technology that supports parallel, anonymous, and collaborative group communication can aid tactical and strategic planning, human resource management, negotiation, and general meeting activities. Use of GroupSystems tools in these sessions enabled participants with widely warying backgrounds, motivations, and personal agendas to effectively and efficiently address complex problems. Problems addressed included quality improvement, customer account planning, opinion survey feedback, resource allocation, application implementation, contract performance reviews, and the establishment of standards.