Information technology for group decision support: beyond GDSS

Traditional definitions of group decision support systems provide a narrow perspective on the way in which information technology (IT) can support group decision making. An alternative perspective that includes a broader view of groups, a more descriptive and behavioral view of decisions, a wider view of support, and a more complex, social view of systems is possible. In this article the implications of such a perspective on the role of IT in support of group decision making are explored through a case study of the use of a simple multiattribute value model in role‐reversal exercises. The experience of using this model in a social policy area in which there was substantial conflict between different interest groups illustrated a number of important issues. In particular, the way in which the model was used as a framework for communication between the conflicting groups and the inherent equivocality of this communication was highlighted. The contribution of IT‐based support to the effectiveness of this communication, in the context of the role‐reversal workshops, is discussed, and a new typology of IT support for group decision making is suggested. Finally, some conclusions are drawn on the implications for group decision support practice