GROUP TASK-PERFORMANCE AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY - A LONGITUDINAL-STUDY OF COMPUTER-MEDIATED VERSUS FACE-TO-FACE WORK GROUPS

This article explores the effectiveness of two theoretical models in p redicting the effects of computer-mediated communication and task type on group task performance. The first model (task as moderator) predic ts that the type of task on which the group is working moderates the e ffects of communication medium on task performance over time. The seco nd model (change as moderator) predicts that cumulative experience and certain kinds of changes imposed on the group moderate these effects. The relationship between technology and task performance appeared to be more dependent on experience with the technology and with group mem bership than on the type of task on which the group was working. Resul ts also suggested that the newness of the medium and not the newness o f the group led to poorer task performance for computer groups in some weeks. Although there were no differences in performance between comp uter groups and face-to-face groups for generate and decision-making t asks face-to-face groups performed better on negotiation and intellect ive tasks than did their computer-mediated counterparts. Results suppo rted all of the predictions of the second model but only partially sup ported the first model. These findings have important implications for future research and practice.