Group Model Building: A Decision Room Approach
Abstract
In this article, the authors investigate the benefits and drawbacks of using group model building in a group decision room. An approach to group model building adapted for use in a group decision room is described. The authors then determine the feasibility of such an approach in a pilot study and compare the results of the traditional version with those of the electronic version used by a group of 32 graduate students. Specifically, the authors assess the effects on quality of communication, satisfaction, knowledge (of others’ opinions and of the problem), consensus, and commitment. The evaluation shows that the electronic version yields positive results similar to the nonelectronic version. This result strengthens the idea that electronic support can be used to avoid the direct costs of convening groups, as is necessary in the traditional form. A number of improvements to both the intervention and the evaluation procedure are discussed .