Input Complexity and Information Processing in GSSBased Discussion Tasks Involving Virtual Work Groups: An Experimental Investigation

Globalization has increased competition and dynamic nature of business environment, and formation of work groups that collaborate electronically has become common. Electronic brainstorming and polling can be useful for these groups. However, groups that use electronic brainstorming tools can generate a large number of diverse ideas, which can make the input environment complex for the members. Input complexity influences the level of information processing, hence affects the outcome of group work. We report the findings of a laboratory experiment involving a group support system (GSS) in an electronic discussion task. We found that input complexity influenced the level of information processing, group members’ participation, and the number of unique solutions generated. Additionally, we demonstrated the inter-relationship that group members’ participation and their output have with their satisfaction. We believe that our findings will be useful for practitioners managing virtual work groups and researchers studying performance of these groups.