Group Support Systems: experiments with an online system and implications for same-time/different places working

Abstract

We present an analysis of the Group Explorer Group Support System (GSS) from the perspective of its implementation as technology that can support same-time/different-places group workshops. The purpose of the chapter is to report on our experiences with using a same-time/different places GSS, introduce issues that arise from these experiences, and discuss future prospects. The chapter commences by reviewing our current understanding of GSS and how they support the use of distributed Problem Structuring Methods (PSMs) in both single organization and multi-organization settings. The configuration and use of a cloud-based online version of the GSS is presented that highlights some of the key technological, organisational and facilitation issues involved in supporting distributed PSM workshops. The future development of such online GSS is discussed with a particular focus on two emerging research questions; the future role of the facilitator in online GSS, and the commonalities between online GSS and social media platforms as different-times/different-places group working, such as crowdsourcing, become prevalent in the context of increasing globalisation and the ongoing decentralisation of work environments.