Information sharing face-to-face teleconferencing, and electronic chat groups

Laboratory groups attempted to reach consensus on a simulated business problem. Members of 4-person groups received information on whether three proposed systems met each of 10 desired criteria. Cast as a hidden profile problem the information was distributed unevenly within the group. Groups communicated using one of three formats:face-to-face, teleconference, or electronic chat. As predicted, cognitive workload was significantly higher and fewer correct decisions were obtained in the electronic chat condition versus the other two formats. The electronic chat medium limited participants' ability to coordinate and verify information. Electronic char should be combined with collaboration technology or groupware that facilitates information storage, organization, and processing.