INFORMATION SHARING FACE-TO-FACE TELECONFERENCING, AND ELECTRONIC CHAT GROUPS

Laboratory groups attempted to reach consensus on a simulated business problem. Members of 4-person groups received information on whether t hree proposed systems met each of 10 desired criteria. Cast as a hidde n profile problem the information was distributed unevenly within the group. Groups communicated using one of three formats:face-to-face, te leconference, or electronic chat. As predicted, cognitive workload was significantly higher and fewer correct decisions were obtained in the electronic chat condition versus the other two formats. The electroni c chat medium limited participants' ability to coordinate and verify i nformation. Electronic char should be combined with collaboration tech nology or groupware that facilitates information storage, organization , and processing.