Effects of problem formulation and process structures on performance and perceptions in a GDSS environment: An experiment

This laboratory study examined the effects of problem formulation and process structuring on group performance and member perceptions within a GDSS environment on a problem-solving task. All groups solved the problem. Control groups had no preceding formulation stage. Half the non-control groups received a simple advocacy treatment, while others were also given a specific formulation heuristic to follow. Full heuristic groups were,' significantly better on formulation score and appeared to have an edge on solution score as well. The simple advocacy groups had the more favorable process and outcome perceptions; worst perceptions were expressed by the full heuristic groups. Speculation is offered about GDSS structural restrictiveness and task perceptions as well as about the link between problem formulation and solution.