Current and future uses of GDSS technology: report on a recent empirical study

This study looks at the actual ways in which group decision-support systems (GDSSs) are currently being utilized. The framework for the study was derived from G. DeSanctis and R.B. Gallupe's (1987) work, using a survey of 135 randomly selected Data Processing Management Association members as the sample base. Based on preliminary data analysis, it appears that GDSS are slowly being introduced and supported by information-systems departments and that this pattern will be the trend for the immediate future as well. Data analysis will be completed in the near future, but analytical procedures are delineated. These procedures take two primary forms: descriptive statistics based on the study data assess the extent to which organizations are increasing their commitment to GDSS and which current implementations are heaviest in each of the GDSS types. Factor analysis of respondent data is used to assess task-group usage of GDSS.<>