The influence of communication mode and incentive structure on group decision support system process and outcomes

Given the orientation towards groups and the increase in the use of Group Decision Support Systems (GDSS) for distributed groups, we study communication mode and incentive structure to learn how these two factors influence group decision making. This paper compares the decision process and outcomes of groups that use a face-to-face GDSS to those that use a distributed GDSS operating under two different incentive structures. Results indicate that communication mode and incentive structure can influence the effects of each other. Hence, the appropriate design of incentive structures may be important to the success of virtual organizations.