Culture and Anonymity in GSS Meetings

Abstract

Anonymity is an important aspect of group support systems (GSS). However, as to the overall effectiveness of the use of anonymity, findings have been inconclusive. Some studies show positive effects in the number of ideas generated, quality of ideas, and uniqueness of ideas, whereas other studies show negative or neutral effects. An examination of social psychology literature indicates that the effect of public self-awareness on evaluation apprehension in different cultural groups may play a crucial role. Thus, social psychology and Hofstede’s model of cultural differentiation are used in this chapter to explain the different effects of anonymity on the behavior of Hong Kong and Canadian groups during GSS sessions. It is hoped that understanding the effects of anonymity in different cultural contexts will better inform the design and facilitation of GSS in increasingly diverse global settings.