a comparative study of computer conferencing and face-to-face communications in systems design
The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of computer conferencing and face-to-face communications to support the work of student teams in a systems analysis project. The study compares the differences in decision quality associated with the projects accomplished by these teams, such team's confidence in the group decision, and each team's satisfaction with the overall decision process. The research questions were: (1) Will the computer conferencing groups produce solutions of higher decision quality, as measured by group scores for decision quality, analytical strength, technical strength, research base for drawing conclusions, and the effectiveness of the group presentation; and (2) Will the face-to-face groups feel greater confidence in the group decision and greater satisfaction with the group decision process, because of the personal relationships that have been developed, as measured by confidence in the group decision, satisfaction with the group decision process, and peer evaluations of participation of their teammates and effectiveness of their teammates. Based upon the findings, computer conferencing afforded opportunities for handling evaluative tasks more effectively than face-to-face meetings. Computer conferencing offers the benefits of producing better decisions because of broader participation, expression of a wider range of opinions, and greater analysis. Computer conferencing can lower time pressures and create the psychological distance among participants needed to engage in more open, candid exchanges of opinions. Its shortcomings are the time it takes to exchange messages, the increased difficulty of coordinating and clarifying ideas, and the increased time it takes to develop a consensus and to arrive at a decision.
computer conferencing electronic communications electronic mail collaborative work