Abstract
This paper presents a game theoretic view of collaborative work and suggests that the design of effective GDSS tools should be guided by the way the tool discourages dysfunctional gaming behavior. We present an illustrative experimental study that investigates the influence of communication channel, incentive structure, and problem modeling tools on decision performance, diversity of solutions, and information exchange truthfulness in collaborating groups.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Level One GDSS: A GDSS that supports the communication aspects of group interaction.
Individual/Group Performance: For group performance the unit of analysis is group and for individual performance the unit of analysis is individual.
GDSS: A computer-based tool that aids decision makers to collaborate in group interaction.
Incentive Structure: Describes the method that the members receive rewards for the quality of their decisions.
Free Riding: When members in a group benefit from the effort of others without contributing their fair share.
Game Theory View of GDSS: Views GDSS users and their interaction as a cooperative or non-cooperative N-person game where coalitions of S members where SLevel Two GDSS: A GDSS that supports the communication as well as decision aiding aspects of group interaction.
Communication Richness: The number and capacity of channels used for communication and the higher the number of channels, the richer is the communication.