Electronic Brainstorming Research and its Implications for E-Planning

Sharing ideas efficiently and effectively in groups is a challenge groups and teams face on a daily basis. In typical face to face meetings, many factors can serve to inhibit a full sharing of ideas and thus the development of effective decisions and plans. To overcome the limitations of face to face meetings, computer based group decision support systems have been developed to facilitate both idea exchange and evaluation. Evidence suggests that such systems can lead to beneficial outcomes. However, unless they are utilized appropriately, even electronic meetings may not effectively tap the intellectual and creative potential of groups. The authors will critically evaluate the theoretical and practical issues involved in the use of this technology and make recommendations for using electronic systems for e-planning.