An Interaction Meta-Model for Groupware Theory and Research

Technology fit is the focus of Media Richness [2] and Task-Technology Interaction [23]; and Group-Task coordination is the essence of the Coordination Theory [12] and [13]. Each of these theories tries to explain the interaction of the three contextual elements (Technology, Groups and Tasks) by focusing on a particular dyad. This paper reviews and integrates some of the theoretical and empirical models that have been proposed to study groups using Group Decision Support Systems (GDSS). An interaction meta-model based on contingency theory will be developed to integrate different theories. The meta-model proposes that the outcomes of group interaction are contingent upon three main contextual factors (Technology, Groups and Tasks), and their interaction. This paper presents a new insight into the dynamic interplay of the factors influencing group processes and outcomes and derives the implications for researchers. The analysis of the interaction of these contextual factors has important implications for the design of empirical studies in this area. 2. Interaction meta-model Differences in groups using Group Decision Support Systems (GDSS) and Distributed GDSS, can be explained through differences in contextual factors (Technology, Groups and Task), and differences in the interaction of these factors. To represent this complex interplay, a novel contingency model is developed, building on the theoretical frameworks proposed by [4] and [10]. The contextual factors (technology, groups and tasks) are represented in the main circles of the meta-model, and the interaction factors in the overlapping zones of those circles (See Figure 1).