Patterns of Contact and Communication in Scientific Research Collaborations

Abstract

This chapter reviews the empirical research on the impacts of information technology used to support group processes. Group Decision Support Systems (GCSS) are information aids. The main purpose of Group Communication Support Systems (GCSS) is to reduce communication barriers in groups. Group structure refers to patterned relations among members of the group. Five aspects of group structure have been found to influence group process in organization behavior and group psychology research. Technological support refers to what activities the GDSS and GCSS support and the extent of support they provide. Steeb and Johnson compared groups with no aid other than paper and pencil, with groups using GDSS support that provided computer-aided decision tree analysis. Research in group psychology shows that important differences in group process can be expected between groups with and without meaningful history and future.

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