Group Decision Support Systems

Abstract

Group decision support systems (GDSSs) which aim at increasing some of the benefits of collaboration and reducing the inherent losses are interactive information technology-based environments that support concerted and coordinated group efforts toward completion of joint tasks (Dennis, George, Jessup, Nunamaker, & Vogel, 1998). The term group support systems (GSSs) was coined at the start of the 1990’s to replace the term GDSS. The reason for this is that the role of collaborative computing was expanded to more than just supporting decision making (Patrick & Garrick, 2006). For the avoidance of any ambiguities, the latter term shall be used in the discussion throughout this paper.

Key Terms in this Chapter

Multi-Criteria Group Support Systems (MCGSS): GSS designed so that users can enter their preferences in an easily understood and user-friendly interface through a Web browser.

Group Support Systems (GSS): Any combination of hardware and software that enhances group work. GSS is a generic term that includes all forms of collaborative computing.

Social Presence: The degree to which people establish warm and personal connection with each other in a communication setting. Changes in the level of social presence can affect group communication.