Computer-mediated and face-to-face groups: Who makes riskier decisions?

J. S. Valacich, S. Sarker, J. Pratt, M. Groomer

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

13 Scopus citations

Abstract

Although a significant body of research has focused on understanding the effect of media differences on group behaviors and processes, little is known about how media differences influence groups' risk-taking behaviors. This study reports on a laboratory experiment designed to understand the effects of the group communication environment (face-to-face or computer-mediated) on group risk-taking behaviors while subjects performed a hidden profile decision-making task. Results indicated that computer-mediated groups make riskier decisions than face-to-face groups, and their decisions shift farther away from the positions held by individual group members prior to interaction than in face-to-face groups. Consistent with prior research, computer-mediated groups reported lower process satisfaction, higher and more even participation, and higher intra-group conflict. Two rival theoretical explanations are put forth as to why computer-mediated groups made riskier decisions.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 35th Annual Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences, HICSS 2002
EditorsRalph H. Sprague
PublisherIEEE Computer Society
Pages133-142
Number of pages10
ISBN (Electronic)0769514359
DOIs
StatePublished - 2002
Externally publishedYes
Event35th Annual Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences, HICSS 2002 - Big Island, United States
Duration: Jan 7 2002Jan 10 2002

Publication series

NameProceedings of the Annual Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences
Volume2002-January
ISSN (Print)1530-1605

Other

Other35th Annual Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences, HICSS 2002
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityBig Island
Period1/7/021/10/02

Keywords

  • Communications technology
  • Computer mediated communication
  • Data analysis
  • Decision making
  • Face
  • Polarization
  • Testing

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Engineering

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