Knowledge and competence: The influence of expertise on information exchange in computer-mediated communication

Following the Collective Information Sampling Model (Stasser & Titus, 1985) , groups are more likely to discuss information if it is held by all member s (shared information) than if it is held by only one member (unshared info rmation). As groups exchange less information, when they use computer-media ted communication (CMC), it is even more important to mention relevant cont ent using this medium. In studies on face to face communication, informing group members about each others' expertise fostered the exchange of unshare d information. In Study 1 this finding was not replicated for groups using CMC. Study 2 shows, that an increased exchange of unshared information is o nly caused by the knowledge about group members' expertise, when it is inte rpreted in terms of knowledge and not in terms of competence.