User satisfaction with system,decision process,and outcome in GDSS based meeting: an experimental investigation

Performance of groups using group decision support systems (GDSS) has been an issue debated over the last two decades. Yet, there is need for more focused research on subjective variables such as the satisfaction of team members with the experience of using a GDSS. This research focuses on different types of user satisfaction in GDSS based meetings: system satisfaction, process satisfaction, and outcome satisfaction; and explores interrelationships among them. The findings from a laboratory experiment demonstrate that group members' satisfaction with system impacts the satisfaction with decision process and outcome. Satisfaction with decision outcome is also influenced by satisfaction with decision making process. Another interesting set of findings is the relationships between performance of groups members engaged in GDSS based meetings and their satisfaction with system, process, and outcome. Decision time has negative effect on system satisfaction and positive effect on process satisfaction. Thoroughness of decision making has positive effect on outcome satisfaction. The findings of the research have major implications for planners and facilitators of GDSS based meetings.