Information processing system and non-transitory computer readable medium

An information processing system comprising a processor programmed to: receive a question asked by a questioner, an answer provided by an answerer to the question, and a rating by a rater with respect to at least one of the question and the answer; manage relationship information, the relationship information being related to the questioner, the answerer, and the rating by the rater; acquire attribute information about each of the questioner, the answerer, and the rater; and present rating information based on the relationship information and in response to a condition specified by a requester with respect to the attribute information.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based on and claims priority under 35 USC 119 from Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-099459 filed May 28, 2019.

BACKGROUND

(i) Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to an information processing system and a non-transitory computer readable medium.

(ii) Related Art

For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2015-109065 discloses a knowledge-sharing service providing system utilizing information about relationships among users on an SNS. The knowledge-sharing service providing system includes: a question data management unit that saves question data when the question data is transmitted from a user terminal device of a first user, and saves a question sharing request in association the question data when the question sharing request regarding the question data is transmitted from a user terminal device of a second user; and a question data provision unit that, on the basis of information about relationships among users, provides the question data associated with the question sharing request to a user terminal device of a third user having an acquaintance relationship with the second user.

SUMMARY

In some cases, it is desirable to give people-related ratings for purposes such as evaluating personnel or finding human resources in an organization such as a business, for example. Meanwhile, the exchange of questions and answers is one form of human communication. Furthermore, it is conceivably possible to give people-related ratings on the basis of the activities of asking questions, providing answers, and additionally rating questions and answers. However, questions and answers are exchanged verbally, in email, or the like between the persons involved, and furthermore, ratings with respect to the questions and answers are given only by the persons involved. For this reason, in the past, the relationships among the activities of questioning, answering, and rating have not been recognized objectively.

Aspects of non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure relate to recognizing relationships among the activities of questioning, answering, and rating.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an information processing system comprising a processor programmed to: receive a question asked by a questioner, an answer provided by an answerer to the question, and a rating by a rater with respect to at least one of the question and the answer; manage relationship information, the relationship information being related to the questioner, the answerer, and the rating by the rater; acquire attribute information about each of the questioner, the answerer, and the rater; and present rating information based on the relationship information and in response to a condition specified by a requester with respect to the attribute information.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail and with reference to the attached drawings.

<Overall Configuration of Information Processing System1>

FIG.1is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an information processing system1according to the exemplary embodiment.

The information processing system1according to the exemplary embodiment is provided with multiple terminal devices10and a server device20that provides an activity rating service. Additionally, the multiple terminal devices10and the server device20are capable of bidirectional data communication with each other over a network.

Note that in the information processing system1according to the exemplary embodiment, the individual devices are capable of communicating information with each other over the network. The network is not particularly limited insofar as the network is a communication network used to communicate data among devices, and may be for example a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), the Internet, or the like. The communication channel used for data communication may be wired, wireless, or a combination of the two. Also, each device may use a relay device such as a gateway device or a router to connect through multiple networks and communication channels.

For the terminal devices10, a stationary terminal device, such as a personal computer, or a mobile information terminal, such as a tablet or a smartphone, may be used. Also, althoughFIG.1illustrates three terminal devices10as the multiple terminal devices10as an example, four or more terminal devices10may also be connected. The following description assumes that multiple users who use the system according to the exemplary embodiment respectively use one of the terminal devices10that each user possesses. Also, the terminal devices respectively possessed by each of the users will be collectively referred to as the “terminal device(s)10” when not being individually distinguished from each other.

Herein, one example of an activity rating service provided by the information processing system1according to the exemplary embodiment will be described. In the information processing system1according to the exemplary embodiment, a question is posted by a certain user, and another user provides an answer to the posted question. Additionally, in the information processing system1, questions and answers are rated by users. Furthermore, in the information processing system1, a rating may be further rated by a user in some cases.

Note that in the exemplary embodiment, a user who asks a question is called a “questioner”, while a user who provides an answer is called an “answerer”. Also, a user who views questions and answers without asking a question or providing an answer is called a “viewer”. Furthermore, a user who rates a question or an answer is called a “rater”. In the exemplary embodiment, the rater may be a questioner, an answerer, or a viewer, depending on the circumstances. Also, a user who is rated is called a “rating recipient”. In the exemplary embodiment, the rating recipient may be a questioner, an answerer, or a viewer, depending on the circumstances.

In addition, in the information processing system1according to the exemplary embodiment, for a single exchange of an answer in response to a question (hereinafter referred to as a question-and-answer pair), relationship information is created. The relationship information is related to the ratings of the questioner who asked the question, the answerer who provided the answer, and the rater who gives a rating. The relationship information is accumulated as question-and-answer pairs are formed and ratings are given. Additionally, in the information processing system1according to the exemplary embodiment, rating information specified from the relationship information on the basis of conditions on user attribute information specified by a requester is presented to the requester. By examining the content of the rating information, the requester is able to visually recognize the rating of each person from the individual ratings with respect to the questioner, the answerer, and the rater. Note that the role of requester is carried out by a user who is any of a questioner, an answerer, a rater, and a viewer. Hereinafter, the above content will be described in detail.

FIG.2is a function block diagram of the server device20according to the exemplary embodiment. The server device20is provided with a user management unit21that manages user information, a question and answer management unit22that manages questions and answers, a rating management unit23that manages ratings with respect to questions, answers, and ratings, and an information presentation unit24that presents rating information in response to a request by a requester.

FIG.3is one example of a user management table210managed by the user management unit21. The user management unit21uses the user management table210to manage user information about multiple users who use the system. In the user management table210, a username, a user ID, a password, and user attribute information are managed as user information. In the exemplary embodiment, the user attribute information includes information about a group name, a group type, a division name, a division type, a role, gender, and age. Note that this user attribute information is merely one example. The user attribute information is information related to the properties and features of each user, and may also include other information, such as information about the user's capabilities and social relationships, for example.

The user ID and the password are what is typically called user account information. The user ID and the password are used when a user who uses the system logs in to the system. Also, in the exemplary embodiment, by logging in, a user who uses the system becomes able to post questions, post answers, view questions and answers, and give various ratings. Consequently, in this system, it is understood which users have performed which activities, such as questioning, answering, and rating.

The group name is information indicating the name of a group to which the user belongs, such as the name of a business, a university, a public institution, or a corporation, for example. The group type is information indicating the type of group to which the user belongs. Information about types of industries, such as the manufacturing industry, the telecommunications industry, the service industry, the construction industry, and academic research, is used. The division name is information indicating the name of a further category within the group, such as a division, to which the user belongs. The division type is information indicating the type of division to which the user belongs. In the case of a business, for example, names such as personnel, accounting, sales, development, manufacturing, and administration are used as division types. Also, in the case of a university or the like, names such as department of law, department of economics, department of science, and department of engineering are used as division types.

(Question and Answer Management Unit22)

FIGS.4A and4Bare one example of a question management table and an answer management table according to the exemplary embodiment. The question and answer management unit22(one example of a reception unit) receives questions from questioners and also receives answers from answerers. Additionally, the question and answer management unit22manages the questions received from questioners and the answers received from answerers. The question and answer management unit22according to the exemplary embodiment uses a question management table221to manage questions asked by questioners. Also, the question and answer management unit22according to the exemplary embodiment uses an answer management table222to manage answers provided by answerers.

The question and answer management unit22receives a question from a questioner through a screen on the terminal device10used by a questioner. Subsequently, the question and answer management unit22assigns, to the received question content, a question ID that makes it possible to uniquely specify the question. As illustrated inFIG.4A, in the question management table221, the user ID of the questioner and the question content are associated with each question ID. In this way, the question and answer management unit22uses the question management table221to manage the question ID, the user ID of the questioner, and the question content in association with each other.

Also, the question and answer management unit22receives an answer to a question from an answerer through a screen on the terminal device10used by an answerer. Subsequently, the question and answer management unit22assigns, to the received answer content, an answer ID that makes it possible to uniquely specify the answer. As illustrated inFIG.4B, in the answer management table222, the user ID of the answerer and the answer content are associated with each answer ID. In the case where there are multiple answers in response to a single question, the question and answer management unit22creates an answer ID for each question-and-answer pair. Additionally, the question and answer management unit22uses the answer management table222to manage the answer ID, the user ID of the answerer, and the answer content in association with each other.

The rating management unit23(one example of a relationship management unit and one example of an adjustment unit) receives each of ratings for questions, ratings for answers, and ratings for ratings. The rating management unit23according to the exemplary embodiment receives a score and a rating comment from a rater. In one rating, the rating management unit23according to the exemplary embodiment receives a score on a 10-point scale from 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest) from a rater. Also, in the exemplary embodiment, it is possible to receive respective ratings for questions, answers, and ratings from multiple raters rather than from only a single rater. Additionally, the rating management unit23according to the exemplary embodiment treats an average value obtained by averaging the scores received from multiple raters as the rating in some cases. Also, the rating management unit23according to the exemplary embodiment treats a total value obtained by totaling the scores received from multiple raters as the rating in some cases. Note that in the exemplary embodiment, ratings for questions and answers are handled as ratings with respect to the questioner who asked the question and the answerer who provided the answer, respectively.

FIG.5is one example of rating relationship information230according to the exemplary embodiment. As illustrated inFIG.5, the rating management unit23manages each of the ratings with the rating relationship information230. In the rating relationship information230, the user ID of the rating recipient, the user ID of the rater, a score, and a comment are associated with each answer ID, or in other words, with each question-and-answer pair. In the case where multiple ratings are given to a single question-and-answer pair, the rating management unit23according to the present embodiment creates a rating result according to the given ratings. Subsequently, the rating management unit23manages relationship information, namely the rating relationship between the rating recipient, the rater, and the score with the rating relationship information230. In other words, the rating management unit23stores rating relationships indicating which users have rated which other users and with what ratings.

Also, the rating management unit23adjusts the content of the rating information according to information about the time when a rating by a rater is received. The rating management unit23according to the present embodiment sets a greater weight on rating information with a small increase in the rating value per unit time than the weight on rating information with a large increase in the rating value per unit time. For example, with respect to a certain rating, the rating management unit23raises the rating value of a rating that reaches 1000 points in one year for example over a rating whose score reaches 1000 points in one month, for example.

When a predetermined time has elapsed since a question was asked, the rating management unit23specifies the increase in the rating value per unit time. Subsequently, on the basis of the increase in the rating value per unit time, the rating management unit23adjusts the score by multiplying the rater-given score by a coefficient or the like. This is based on the thinking that ratings given to a rated question, answer, or the like over a relatively long period of time have greater weight than ratings of passing popularity.

Also, the rating management unit23sets a greater weight on rating information rated at a specific time than the weight on rating information rated at times before the specific time. For example, the rating management unit23raises the rating value of a rating given a year after a question is posted over a rating given a month after the question is posted. In other words, with respect to a certain rating, even in cases where different raters give ratings with the same score at different times, the rating management unit23increases the weight on the rating given a relatively longer period of time after the question is posted compared to the rating given a relatively shorter period of time after the question is posted.

When a predetermined time has elapsed since a question was asked, the rating management unit23adjusts the score by multiplying the rater-given score by a coefficient or the like, such that ratings given a relatively longer period of time after the question is posted are increased. This is based on the thinking that if a rating is given even after a relatively long period of time has elapsed since a question was posted, the content is still relevant despite the passage of time, and the question or answer is useful and will be referenced for a long time.

The information presentation unit24uses the relationship information managed by the rating management unit23and the user attribute information managed by the user management unit21to present rating information according to a condition or conditions specified by a requester who makes a request. The rating information is information related to ratings extracted from the relationship information managed by the rating management unit23according to the condition or conditions on the user attribute information specified by the requester. Also, insofar as the user attribute information specified by the requester is information managed in the user management table210, information corresponding to any condition by the requester may be used. Subsequently, the information presentation unit24causes the rating information specified using the rating relationship information230and the user management table210to be displayed on a screen of the terminal device10of the requester. Note that in the exemplary embodiment, the information presentation unit24functions as one example of an acquisition unit, one example of a presentation unit, one example of a creation unit, or one example of an attribute reception unit.

Specifically, the rating information may express relationships between the attribute information of the questioner treated as the rating recipient, the attribute information of the rater, and the score, for example. With this arrangement, the requester is able to understand how the questioner is rated by what kind of people. Similarly, the rating information may express relationships between the attribute information of the answerer treated as the rating recipient, the attribute information of the rater, and the score, for example. With this arrangement, the requester is able to understand how the answerer is rated by what kind of people. Also, the rating information may express relationships between the attribute information of the viewer who gave a rating treated as the rating recipient, the attribute information of the rater, and the score, for example. With this arrangement, the requester is able to understand how the viewer who gave a rating is rated by what kind of people.

Additionally, the information presentation unit24is capable of presenting the relationship information according to a condition or conditions on the user attribute information specifically specified by the requester. For example, in some cases the requester may want to grasp the rating given to the requester him- or herself. In this case, the information presentation unit24presents, to the requester, rating information for cases where the requester him- or herself is the questioner, the answerer, or the rater.

As another example, in some cases the requester may want to grasp the rating given to a questioner, an answerer, or a rater in an organization to which the requester belongs. Note that in the exemplary embodiment, the organization to which the requester belongs may be a group to which the requester belongs or a division to which the requester belongs, for example. Subsequently, the information presentation unit24presents, to the requester, rating information about a questioner, an answerer, or a rater in the organization to which the requester belongs.

As a further example, in some cases the requester may want to grasp the rating given to a questioner, an answerer, or a rater in an organization to which the requester does not belong. Note that in the exemplary embodiment, the organization to which the requester does not belong may be a group different from the group of the requester or a division different from the division of the requester, for example. Subsequently, the information presentation unit24presents, to the requester, rating information about a questioner, an answerer, or a rater in the organization to which the requester does not belong.

FIG.6is a diagram explaining operations of the information processing system1according to the exemplary embodiment. InFIG.6, the flow of information between configuration units in the following example will be described as one example of a description of operations. In this example, a user A who is a questioner posts a question using a terminal device10a, and users B and C who are answerers provide answers to the question using terminal devices10band10c, respectively. Also, in this example, a user D who is a viewer gives a rating using a terminal device10d. Furthermore, in this example, a user E who is a viewer rates the rating using a terminal device10e. Additionally, in this example, a user F who is a requester requests a presentation of rating information using a terminal device10f.

First, the user A logs in using the terminal device10a. Subsequently, the terminal device10atransmits a question1asked by the user A to the server device20(S101). The question1is transmitted together with the user ID of the user A to the server device20. In the server device20, the question and answer management unit22(seeFIG.2) receives the question1.

Also, the user B logs in using the terminal device10b. The server device20causes the question1asked by the user A to be displayed on the terminal device10b(S102). Subsequently, the user B provides an answer1to the question1, and also rates the question1. The terminal device10btransmits the answer1provided by the user B in response to the question1to the server device20(S103). In the server device20, the question and answer management unit22receives the answer1. Additionally, the terminal device10btransmits the rating by the user B with respect to the question1to the server device20(S104). In the server device20, the rating management unit23(seeFIG.2) receives the rating by the user B.

Similarly, the user C logs in using the terminal device10c. The server device20causes the question1asked by the user A and the answer1provided by the user B to be displayed on the terminal device10c(S105). In this example, when the user C logs in, the answer1has already been posted by the user B. For this reason, the answer1provided by the user B is displayed together with the question1asked by the user A on the terminal device10cof the user C. Subsequently, the user C provides an answer2to the question1, and also rates the question1. The terminal device10ctransmits the answer2provided by the user C in response to the question1to the server device20(S106). In the server device20, the question and answer management unit22receives the answer2. Additionally, the terminal device10ctransmits the rating by the user C with respect to the question1to the server device20(S107). In the server device20, the rating management unit23receives the rating by the user C.

At this point, the user A checks the answers using the terminal device10a. The server device20causes the question1by the user A him- or herself, the answer1provided by the user B, and the answer2provided by the user C to be displayed on the terminal device10a(S108). Subsequently, the user A rates each of the answer1provided by the user B and the answer2provided by the user C. The terminal device10atransmits the rating by the user A with respect to the answer1(S109) and the rating by the user A with respect to the answer2(S110) to the server device20. In the server device20, the question and answer management unit22receives the ratings by the user A.

Furthermore, the user D logs in using the terminal device10d. The server device20causes the question1asked by the user A, the answer1provided by the user B, and the answer2provided by the user C to be displayed on the terminal device10d(S111). Additionally, in this example, the user D rates the answer2provided by the user C. The terminal device10dtransmits the rating by the user D with respect to the answer2to the server device20(S112). In the server device20, the question and answer management unit22receives the rating.

After that, the user E logs in using the terminal device10e, and in this example, the user E views the rating of the answer2as a viewer. The server device20causes the rating by the user D with respect to the answer2to be displayed on the terminal device10e(S113). Subsequently, the user E rates the rating by the user D with respect to the answer2. The terminal device10etransmits the rating by the user E with respect to the rating of the answer2to the server device20(S114). In the server device20, the question and answer management unit22receives the rating.

After that, the user F logs in using the terminal device10f. Subsequently, through the terminal device10f, the user F requests the presentation of rating information about a user or users belonging to the group to which the user F belongs (in the exemplary embodiment, “aaa Corp.”), for example. The terminal device10fissues a request to the server device20for the presentation of rating information according to the conditions on the user attribute information specified by the user F (S115). The server device20presents, to the user F, rating information specified from the relationship information in the rating relationship information230and the attribute information in the user management table210(S116).

Next, specific examples of images displayed on the screens of the terminal devices10used by each user will be described while referencingFIGS.7A to14.

FIG.7Ais a question reception image31for receiving a question from a questioner. As illustrated inFIG.7A, the question reception image31illustrates an example in which the user A posts the question1. Additionally, in the question reception image31, an entry field311for entering a question, and a Send button312for transmitting the question content entered into the entry field311are displayed.

FIG.7Bis a question-and-answer image32in which a posted question and any answers to the question are displayed. Note that the question-and-answer image32inFIG.7Billustrates a case in which the question has not yet been answered or rated. As illustrated inFIG.7B, in the question-and-answer image32, question content321asked by the questioner, an Answer button322that receives an answer to the question, a Rate Question button323that receives a rating of the question, a Rating Details button324for viewing the detailed content of rating(s) already given, and a score display325that indicates the score according to rating(s) already given to the question are displayed. The score display325according to the exemplary embodiment expresses the average of multiple scores as a number of stars going up to five stars.

FIG.8Ais an answer reception image33for providing an answer to a question. Note that the answer reception image33is displayed by pressing the Answer button322illustrated inFIG.7B. As illustrated inFIG.8B, the answer reception image33illustrates an example in which the user C provides an answer to the question1. Additionally, in the answer reception image33, question content331of the question1asked by the questioner, an entry field332for entering an answer to the question, and a Send button333for transmitting the answer content entered into the entry field are displayed.

FIG.8Bis a question rating image34for rating a question. Note that the question rating image34inFIG.8Billustrates an example in which the user rates the question1. Also, the question rating image34is displayed by pressing the Rate Question button323illustrated inFIG.7B. As illustrated inFIG.8B, in the question rating image34, question content341asked by the questioner, a rating entry field342for entering a rating of the question, a comment entry field343for entering a rating comment for the question1, and a Send button344for transmitting the entered content are displayed.

FIG.9is a question-and-answer image32in which a posted question and any answers to the question are displayed. Note that the question-and-answer image32inFIG.9illustrates a case in which the question has already been answered and rated.

As illustrated inFIG.9, in the question-and-answer image32in which the question has already been answered and rated, the question content321, the Answer button322, the Rate Question button323, the Rating Details button324, and the score display325are displayed. Additionally, in the question-and-answer image32, answer content326by one or more answerers in response to the question, a Rate Answer button327for receiving a rating with respect to each answer, a Rating Details button328for viewing the detailed content of rating(s) already given to each answer, and a score display329that indicates the score according to rating(s) already given to the answer. Note that inFIG.9, the answer content326, the Rate Answer button327, the Rating Details button328, and the score display329are displayed for each of the answer1and the answer2.

FIG.10is a questioner image35by which a questioner comments on and rates answers. As illustrated inFIG.10, the questioner image35illustrates an example in which the user A who is the questioner enters comments and ratings. Additionally, in the questioner image35, question content351asked by the questioner, answer content352provided by each answerer, a comment entry field353by which the questioners enters a comment on each answer, a rating entry field354for entering a rating of each answer, and a Send button355for transmitting the entered content are displayed. Note that inFIG.10, the answer content352, the comment entry field353, and the rating entry field354are displayed for each of the answer1and the answer2.

FIG.11is an answer rating image36for rating an answer. Note that the answer rating image36inFIG.11illustrates an example in which the user D rates the answer2. Also, the answer rating image36is displayed by pressing the Rate Answer button327illustrated inFIG.9. As illustrated inFIG.11, in the answer rating image36, question content361asked by the questioner, answer content362provided by the answerer, a comment entry field363for entering a rating comment about the answer, a rating entry field364for entering a rating of the answer, and a Send button365for transmitting the entered content are displayed.

FIG.12is a rating details image37by which a viewer checks a rating of an answer. The rating details image37is displayed by pressing the Rating Details button328illustrated inFIG.9. As illustrated inFIG.12, in the rating details image37, question content371asked by the questioner, answer content372provided by the answerer, a rating comment373by which a rater rated the answer2, and a metarating button374for receiving a rating with respect to the rating of the answer are displayed.

FIG.13is a metarating image38for rating a rating of an answer. Note that the metarating image38inFIG.13illustrates an example in which the user E rates the rating of the answer2. Also, the answer rating image38is displayed by pressing the metarating button374illustrated inFIG.12. As illustrated inFIG.13, in the metarating image38, question content381asked by the questioner, answer content382provided by the answerer, rating content383with respect to the answer, a comment entry field384for entering a rating comment about the rating of the answer, a rating entry field385for entering a rating for the rating of the answer, and a Send button386for transmitting the entered content are displayed.

FIG.14is a rating request image39by which a requester requests rating information. Note that the rating request image39inFIG.14illustrates an example in which the user F acting as the requester requests rating information.

As illustrated inFIG.14, the rating request image39includes a rating recipient specification field391for receiving attribute information for specifying one or more conditions on the rating recipient, a rater specification field392for receiving attribute information for specifying one or more conditions on the rater, a display specification field393for receiving a specification related to the display of the rating information, and a Create button394for receiving an instruction to create the rating information.

The rating recipient specification field391is configured to receive the specification of multiple attribute conditions. For example, the rating recipient specification field391receives a specification of whether the rating recipient is a questioner, an answerer, or a rater. Additionally, the rating recipient specification field391specifically receives attribute information about the rating recipient.

Also, the rater specification field392is configured to receive the specification of multiple attribute conditions. For example, the rater specification field392receives a specification of whether the rater is a questioner, an answerer, or a viewer. Additionally, the rater specification field392specifically receives attribute information about the rater.

In addition, the display specification field393receives a display condition regarding the display of the rating information. In other words, the display specification field393receives a specification about how to sort the rating results in the rating information when the rating information is presented to the requester. In the example ofFIG.14, the requester has specified that the rating results are to be sorted in order of highest rating in the rating information.

By pressing the Create button394, the conditions specified in the rating recipient specification field391, the rater specification field392, and the display specification field393as above are transmitted to the server device20.

Next, specific usage scenarios of the information processing system1according to the exemplary embodiment will be set up, and the rating information presented to the requester will be described specifically.

SPECIFIC EXAMPLE 1

FIG.15is an overview of a usage scenario of Specific Example 1.FIG.16is one example of rating information presented by the information presentation unit24in Specific Example 1.

As illustrated inFIG.15, for example, in aaa Corp., a question-and-answer pair is formed in which the user A acts as the questioner and the user C acts as the answerer. In this case, the user A obtains useful information provided by the user C. On the other hand, the user C receives a rating by the user A. Additionally, in the usage scenario of the system in Specific Example 1, the exchange of questions and answers inside the organization is visualized. With this arrangement, in the system, activity by the users A and C that is difficult for a third party to grasp may be grasped. Additionally, for example, in aaa Corp., compensation for the activity by the user C, such as a bonus paid to the user C, may be determined. Furthermore, aaa Corp. obtains efficient labor through the proactive action of the user A proceeding with his or her duties while asking questions.

In the usage scenario of Specific Example 1, the case of performing personnel evaluation is anticipated. Note that in Specific Example 1, the requester who issues a request to the information presentation unit24(seeFIG.2) for the presentation of rating information is the user F in the personnel department, for example. The user F requests the presentation of rating information about multiple users in a group (in this example, aaa Corp.) to which the user F him- or herself belongs. In other words, a condition on the attribute information specified by the user F is the group name of the group to which the user F belongs (in this example, aaa Corp.). Also, in this example, the user F specifies the displays of the rating for the case where the rater and the rating recipient are in the same organization (in the present exemplary embodiment, division) and the rating for the case where the rater and the rating recipient are in different organizations.

Additionally, as illustrated inFIG.16, in the rating information of Specific Example 1, for each user belonging to aaa Corp., the rating as a questioner, the rating as an answerer, and the rating as a rater are displayed. Note that in this example, the rating is displayed as the average of the scores. Furthermore, in the rating information of Specific Example 1, the score by raters in the same division as the rating recipient and the score by raters in a different division from the rating recipient are displayed separately.

Subsequently, by referencing the rating information of Specific Example 1, the user F is able to grasp the rating as a questioner, the rating as an answerer, and the rating as a rater for a user who belongs to the group of the user F.

For example, the user A has received relatively high ratings as a questioner. In this case, the user F is able to grasp that the user A is actively asking good questions. The user F is also able to grasp that there are many things the user A does not understand as the user A proceeds with his or her duties. Furthermore, the user F is able to determine that the leadership for guiding the user A is insufficient.

As another example, the user C has received relatively high ratings as an answerer. In this case, the user F is able to grasp that the user C has hidden talents, such as being skilled at solving problems, for example. Furthermore, the user F may consider assigning work duties suited to the user C or reallocating the user C. For example, the user D has received relatively high ratings as a rater. In this case, the user F is able to grasp that the user D has hidden talents, such as being skilled at judging the importance of issues raised inside the company.

Also, by referencing the rating information of Specific Example 1, the user F is able to grasp the circumstances of each user from the relationship between the rating by raters in the same organization (hereinafter, “inside the organization”) as the organization (in this example, division) to which the user belongs and the rating by raters in a different organization (hereinafter, “outside the organization”) from the organization to which the user belongs for each user.

For example, in the case where a questioner is highly rated by raters inside the organization, the user F is able to determine that the questioner is aware of the challenges inside the organization, and the allocation of the questioner to the organization is appropriate. On the other hand, in the case where a questioner is lowly rated by raters inside the organization, the user F is able to determine that the questioner is dissatisfied with the organization to which he or she belongs. In the case where a questioner is highly rated by raters outside the organization, the user F is able to grasp that the questioner is raising a generalized issue. On the other hand, in the case where a questioner is lowly rated by raters outside the organization, the user F may determine that the questioner does not understand his or her work as seen from outside the organization, or consider the possibility that the questioner is raising an unknown issue.

As another example, in the case where an answerer is highly rated by raters inside the organization, the user F is able to determine that the answerer is skilled at problem-solving inside the organization and understands the principles of the organization. On the other hand, in the case where an answerer is lowly rated by raters inside the organization, the user F is able to determine that the answerer is not suited to the problem-solving activity inside the organization, or that the answerer has a strong individuality. Also, in the case where an answerer is highly rated by raters outside the organization, the user F is able to grasp that the answerer is capable of proposing general-purpose solutions. On the other hand, in the case where the answerer is lowly rated by raters outside the organization, the user F may consider that the answerer is lacking ability, or consider the possibility that the answerer is proposing an unknown solution.

As yet another example, in the case where a questioner or an answerer is highly rated by raters outside the organization, the user F is able to determine that the questioner or answerer is suited to a different organization than the organization to which he or she belongs. On the other hand, in the case where a questioner or an answerer is lowly rated by raters inside the organization, the user F is able to determine that the questioner or answerer is also not suited to a position outside the organization.

Note that in the description of the rating information in Specific Example 1, the units of organization are divisions within a company, but even if the units of organization are groups (such as companies, for example), the circumstances of users may be grasped similarly in units of groups on the basis of the rating information.

SPECIFIC EXAMPLE 2

FIG.17is an overview of a usage scenario of Specific Example 2.FIG.18is one example of rating information presented by the information presentation unit24in Specific Example 2.

As illustrated inFIG.17, for example, in aaa Corp., a question-and-answer pair is formed in which the user A acts as the questioner and the user C acts as the answerer. Also, in this example, questions and answers in aaa Corp. are also rated by raters belonging to a different organization than aaa Corp. (hereinafter, “outside the organization”). Additionally, in the usage scenario of Specific Example 2, a usage scenario when hiring new personnel in aaa Corp. from outside the company is anticipated. Note that in Specific Example 2, the requester who issues a request to the information presentation unit24for the presentation of rating information is the user F in the personnel department, for example.

Additionally, the condition on the attribute information that the user F specifies for specifying rating information from the relationship information is assumed to be that the rater who rates questions and answers inside the organization of the user F (in this example, aaa Corp.) is from outside the organization. In other words, the user F issues a request to the information presentation unit24for the presentation of rating information indicating the relationship between questions and answers inside the organization and ratings by raters outside the organization.

As illustrated inFIG.18, in the rating information of Specific Example 2, an answer ID formed by a questioner and an answerer in aaa Corp., the user name of the rater outside the organization and the group name to which the rater belongs, the score given to the question by the rater, and the score given to the answer by the rater are displayed.

Subsequently, by referencing the rating information of Specific Example 2 illustrated inFIG.18, the user F is able to grasp talent outside the organization who give high ratings to question-and-answer pairs in aaa Corp. For example, it is thought that a user outside the organization who gives high ratings to question-and-answer pairs inside the organization is able to raise issues inside the organization and share thoughts about potential solutions with users inside the organization. Accordingly, by grasping talent outside the organization who give high ratings to question-and-answer pairs in aaa Corp., it is possible to use the rating information to make hiring decisions about people outside the organization.

SPECIFIC EXAMPLE 3

FIG.19is an overview of a usage scenario of Specific Example 3.FIG.20is one example of rating information presented by the information presentation unit24in Specific Example 3.

As illustrated inFIG.19, for example, in aaa Corp., a question-and-answer pair is formed in which a user X acts as the questioner and the user A acts as the answerer. Also, in this example, the answer by the user A is also rated by raters belonging to a different organization than aaa Corp. (hereinafter, “outside the organization”). Additionally, in the usage scenario of Specific Example 3, the case in which the user A belonging to aaa Corp. is considering a change of career is anticipated. Note that in the usage scenario of Specific Example 3, the requester who issues a request to the information presentation unit24for the presentation of rating information is the user A.

The condition on the attribute information that the user A specifies for specifying rating information from the relationship information is assumed to be that the rater who rates the answerer, that is, the user A, is from outside the organization. In other words, the user A issues a request to the information presentation unit24for the presentation of rating information indicating the relationship between answers by the user A him- or herself and ratings of the answers by raters outside the organization.

As illustrated inFIG.20, in the rating information of Specific Example 3, the answer ID for which the answerer is the user A, the group name to which the rater belongs, the group type of the group to which the rater belongs, and the score are displayed. Subsequently, by referencing the rating information of Specific Example 3 illustrated inFIG.19, the user A is able to grasp the organizations of raters who have highly rated answers by the user A. For example, it is conceivable that the group containing a rater who has highly rated an answer by an answerer, or the group type (for example, industry) of the group, is highly likely to be an organization suited to the answerer. Accordingly, by grasping the organizations that have given high ratings to answers by the user A, the user A is able to use the rating information as a reference when considering a change of career.

SPECIFIC EXAMPLE 4

FIG.21is an overview of a usage scenario of Specific Example 4.FIG.22is one example of rating information presented by the information presentation unit24in Specific Example 4.

As illustrated inFIG.21, for example, in aaa Corp. and bbb Inc., question-and-answer pairs are formed by questioners and answerers. Additionally, a case of job hunting by a user O who is a university student, for example, is anticipated. In Specific Example 4, the requester who issues a request to the information presentation unit24for the presentation of rating information is the user O.

Additionally, the condition on the attribute information that the user O specifies for specifying rating information from the relationship information is assumed to be that the group type of the questioner and the answerer is the office equipment industry. With this arrangement, the user O causes the information presentation unit24to present rating information indicating the relationship between question-and-answer pairs in the office equipment industry in which the user O wants to find a job and ratings by raters with respect to the question-and-answer pairs.

As illustrated inFIG.22, in the rating information of Specific Example 4, for each answer ID, questioners and answerers whose group type is “office equipment manufacturer”, the question content, and the answer content are displayed. Also, in this example, the answer IDs are sorted in order of the highest scores of the question and answer.

Subsequently, by referencing the rating information of Specific Example 4 illustrated inFIG.22, the user O is able to grasp highly rated questions and answers in the office equipment industry.

SPECIFIC EXAMPLE 5

FIG.23is an overview of a usage scenario of Specific Example 5.FIG.24is one example of rating information presented by the information presentation unit24in Specific Example 5.

As illustrated inFIG.23, for example, question-and-answer pairs are formed by the user C of aaa Corp. answering questions asked by questioners inside and outside the organization. Additionally, in Specific Example 5, the case in which the user E who belongs to aaa Corp. for example wants to ask questions directly to an answerer inside the same organization is anticipated. In other words, in Specific Example 5, the requester who issues a request to the information presentation unit24for the presentation of rating information is the user E.

A condition on the attribute information specified by the user E for specifying rating information from the relationship information is assumed to be the group name of the group to which the user E belongs (in this example, aaa Corp.).

As illustrated inFIG.24, in the rating information of Specific Example 5, for each answer ID, the group name, the answerer, the rating of the answer, and the answer content are displayed. Also, in this example, the answer IDs are sorted in order from high to low score for the answer. In other words, in the rating information of Specific Example 5, rating recipients who belong to aaa Corp. to which the user E also belongs are prioritized for display. Also, along with the above, in the rating information of Specific Example 5, answers given by answerers who belong to aaa Corp. to which the user E also belongs are displayed in order of from high to low rating.

Additionally, by referencing the rating information of Specific Example 5 illustrated inFIG.24, the user E is able to grasp answerers who are providing highly rated answers in aaa Corp. The user E is also able to check the answer content of raters who give high ratings. With this arrangement, for example, the user E is able to ask questions directly to highly rated answerers.

<Hardware Configuration of Each Device>

FIG.25is a diagram illustrating an exemplary hardware configuration of a computer that realizes the terminal device and the server device20. A computer illustrated inFIG.25is provided with a central processing unit (CPU)401that acts as a computational component, and a primary storage device (main memory)402and an external storage device403that act as storage components. The CPU401loads a program stored in the external storage device403into the primary storage device402, and executes the program. For the primary storage device402, random access memory (RAM) is used, for example. For the external storage device403, a device such as a magnetic disk drive or a solid-state drive (SSD) is used, for example. Also, the computer is provided with a display404that displays images, and an input device405, such as a keyboard and mouse for example, that accepts input operations performed by an operator of the computer. The computer is also provided with a network interface406for connecting to a network.

The configuration of the computer illustrated inFIG.25is merely one example, and the configuration is not limited to the exemplary configuration inFIG.25. For example, a configuration provided with non-volatile memory such as flash memory and read-only memory (ROM) as storage devices is also possible. Furthermore, the specific configuration may be different in some cases depending on the application target, such as the terminal device10or the server device20. For example, each of the terminal device10and the server device20may be configured as a single computer, or may be realized by distributed processing by multiple computers. Also, the functions of the server device20are not limited to being realized entirely by the server device20. For example, some or all of the functions of the server device20may also be executed by the terminal device10.

Note that a program that causes the series of operations in the information processing system1according to the exemplary embodiment to be realized in the terminal device10and the server device20obviously may be provided by a communication medium, for example, and may also be provided by being stored on any of various types of recording media.

The foregoing describes an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, but the technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the foregoing exemplary embodiment. Various modifications and substitutions that do not depart from the scope of the technical ideas in the present disclosure are also included in the present disclosure.