Athletics in Electronic Brainstorming: Asynchronous Electronic Brainstorming in Very Large Groups

When very large groups have to brainstorm in smaller subgroups, meeting organizers have a choice between two options: (1) Let every subgroup start from scratch, or (2) Let every next subgroup build on the results from the previous subgroup. We refer to these options as the Decathlon and Relay modes of brainstorming respectively. During a case study we investigated which brainstorming mode would be more productive and result in higher levels of participant satisfaction. Consistent with the hypotheses, Relay groups appeared to be more productive than Decathlon groups, in particular in terms of elaborations to previous contributions. Relay groups were also found to be more satisfied. This study also introduced the elaboration coefficient, an indicator to quantify the amount of task relevant discussion in brainstorming groups. The results of this study hint at a number of meeting design guidelines for very large brainstorming groups. In many cases within organizations, tasks are carried out and decisions are made by groups [13]. Reasons for working in groups are diverse. Tasks may be too complex for individuals, requiring the combined information, insight, and expertise of many. It may also be that decisions will be easier accepted if those affected by them were involved in the decision making process itself because as they participate they can work to see that their interests are accommodated, see e.g. [25]. Organizations that depend on groups to carry out tasks and solve problems face a dilemma. The participative process must be completed as quickly as possible to minimize cost and receive benefit as soon as possible. However, to benefit from the available expertise and to strive for maximum buy-in to results, participative processes one must involve as people as possible. In other words, organizations face a time vs completeness dilemma.