A Cognitive Motivational Model of Group Member Decision Satisfaction

A theorelic model of group member decision satisfaction based on a cognitive-motivational view of informationprocessing in inferential contexts is presented. Unlike normative-rational theorists, we acknowledge that information-processing is biased bythe decision-maker's motivations which are assumed to derive from situationspecific goals. Information processing is assumed to be more extensive when judgmental accuracy is the salient goal and less extensive when other goals (e.g., self-esteem) are relatively more salient. The model analyzes the implications of this view for the relationship between confidence.and satisfaction. Research propositions are advanced. 1. OVERVIEW OF PAPER implications for information processing stemming from different cognitive motivations (embodying different levels of uncertainty), Group member satisfaction is a critical variable in groupwork which derive from situation-specific goals, and uses the resulting assessments (Collins and Guetzkow 1964) and is assumed to biased information processing view to analyze the relationship ' influence decision implementation (Maier 1970). Influential between confidence and satisfaction. The model's front-end uses, definitions of group effectiveness include member satisfaction and extends, Kruglanski's (1989) need for closure theory, while (Hackman 1990; Gladstein 1984). Unlike the user information its back-end uses the belief-attitude causal link from expectancysatisfaction construct (UIS), which has received considerable value theory to model the confidence-satisfaction relationship. We research attention, group mber satisfaction has suffered relative provide operational definitions of model constructs, discuss neglect: "research has done little to adequately define, explain, posited links between constructs, and advance propositions for or measure (satisfaction) in a group context" (Keyton 1991, p. GSS research. 200). Hecht (1978) urged researchers to develop group satisfaction measures 'Yrom a zero base" in view of the lack of Our model has direct relevance for GSS research. Examining the theoreticallrgrounded instrumentation. Satisfaction assessments linkage between infonnation processing and outcome variables in GSS (computer-aided group support systems) have lacked is consistent with GSS research emphases. GSS designs are theory (George et al. 1990). Theory here has a two-fold value: geared to support information processing and reduce uncertainty saRsfaaion is an important construct in itself and in the evaluation (DeSanctis and Gallupe 1987). The need for well-defined ofother consuucts (Smith, Kendall and Hulin 1969); satisfaction dependent variables in IS research has been emphasized (DeLone research has direct implications for the practice of groupwork. and McLean 1992), as has the need for theory in GSS (McGrath and Hollingshead 1993). Cognitive-motivational =ounts of GSS Our focus is on member satisfaction with the group decision phenomena have begun to,appear in the literature (Ghani, a task outcome, and a key variable in group research (Collins and Supnick and Rooney 1991). Guetzkow 1964). Uncertainty and information processing are critical, related features of decision-making (Berlyne 1960). The value of a motivationally-based (as opposed to a purely Uncertainty inherent in choice motivates information behavioral) view of itiformation processing has been emphasized processing which is "the primary instrumental means for in individual (Corbin 1980) and group decision-making research uncertaintyreduction" (Lanzetta 1968, p. 479). We consider the (Guzzo 1986). A cognitive-motivational perspective allows the implications of this view for information processing, confidence, study of emotion in the GSS context (see DeSanctis 1993). and satisfaction in a testable, cognitive-motivational model Decision-making is fundamentally influenced by emotion as presented below. The model specifies the differential decision-makers "cope with (uncertainty-induced) anxiety and