Understanding GDSS in symbolic context: Shifting the focus from technologyto interaction

GDSS has enjoyed about a decade and a half of vigorous research activity. T hroughout this time, a problem that has occupied the research community is the inconsistent research results that have been obtained. The purpose of t his paper is to assess whether the reason for these inconsistencies is root ed in the epistemological mode that has prevailed and to offer an alternati ve epistemological lens that might help advance our understanding of GDSS u se and research. Using qualitative research methods and a symbolic interact ionist theoretical basis, this paper examines how a particular group used a GDSS over two meetings. The findings indicate that GDSS use may result in reactions from its users that are difficult to capture using conventional m ethodological assumptions, thereby helping explain why past results have no t been consistent. Based on these findings, a shift in focus is advocated f rom an emphasis on the technology to an emphasis on human interaction, one that embraces the reasons underlying past inconsistencies rather than attem pting to overcome them.