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Different types and levels of support for network learnings are afforded by information and communication technologies. The manner in which learning networks can benefit from numerous e-learning venues is studied.

This book is the fourth volume of the series, Technological Innovation and Human Resources, which aims to provide a cross-disciplinary synthesis of research on technological innovation and human resources that [...]

A study was conducted to compare two group problem formulation methodologies. The structured argument approach involves formal reasoning while the group process approach requires private idea generation before public sharing and idea evaluation. Results showed that the use of the structured argument approach was more time-consuming and did not result in more information search and equivocality reduction in a group setting. However, it improved coverage of critical issues and consensus on the issues discussed. Moreover, the structured approach technique led to higher satisfaction regarding problem definition and commitment to implementation.

This study investigated a range of impacts that a computerized group decision support system (GDSS) might have on group decision-making processes. A general model posited 13 possible GDSS impacts. The research strategy was to identify which of these impacts were likely to result for the specific GDSS and for the budget allocation task employed in this study and to focus on these in data collection and analysis. The design contrasted (a) groups using a computerized GDSS with (b) groups using a manual, paper-and-pencil version of the GDSS and with (c) baseline groups given no support system. GDSS impacts were measured by interaction analysis of group decision-making processes. Results partially supported our predictions and suggested some changes in the model. Results suggested that the GDSS improved the organization of the decision-making process but that it may have led to less thorough and critical discussion.

The theory of structuration focuses on how actions by members of social collectives create the structures that enable and constrain future action. Most previous research on structuration in groups and organizations used qualitative case studies because structuration is quite complex. This study introduces a method for the study of structuration in larger samples of groups or organizations. A category system for the identification of structuring moves is described, along with several methods for characterizing short- and long-term trends in structuration process. The method is used to study how groups incorporate a computerized group decision support system (GDSS) into their decision processes. GDSSs are part of a class of new computer and communication technologies designed to help groups improve their meetings and make better decisions. Because GDSSs must be used by a group rather than an individual, social process are critical in determining their effects on group outcomes. GDSSs influence groups by structuring their activities, and structurational process are critical mediators of the impacts of GDSSs on group decision making. The study focused on the effects of restrictiveness of GDSS technology on structuration processes and, in turn, on the relation of structuration to a key group outcome, consensus change. The results suggest that two major types of structuring processes occur in computer-supported groups and that the nature of structuration is related to degree of consensus change.