EXPLORING MODES OF FACILITATIVE SUPPORT FOR GDSS TECHNOLOGY

The use of group decision support systems (GDSS) is rapidly growing. O ne key factor in the effectiveness of these systems may be the manner in which users are supported in their use of this technology. This pap er explores two types of GDSS facilitative support: chauffeur-driven a nd facilitator-driven. In the former case, a person is used to reduce the mystique of the GDSS technology for users. In the latter case, a p erson assists the group with its group process in addition to reducing the mystique of the technology. The work unfolds a research story in which the original thinking of the research team to the effect that fa cilitator-driven GDSS facilitative support is superior is proven incor rect. The results of a pilot study caused the research team to reverse its thinking and hypothesize that, given the nature of the facilitati on used and the task faced by the group, chauffeur-driven facilitation would have an advantage. The results of the experiment reported in th is paper support this hypothesis. Arguments are presented to the effec t that, to be effective in a judgment task environment, facilitation m ust be open and adaptive rather than restrictive.