Human versus automated facilitation in the GSS context
ACM SIGMIS Database
The use of group support systems in focus groups: Information technology meets qualitative research
Computers in Human Behavior
Applying collaborative process design to user requirements elicitation: A case study
Computers in Industry
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Facilitating large groups of people distributed around the globe is challenging from a technological, social psychological, and communication perspective. From a technological standpoint information systems are required to connect individuals though firewalls, time zones, cultures, languages, etc. Then the systems must allow sense to be made from huge numbers of interactions in a timely manner so that large groups can make effective decisions. Ideally the large group decisions will be based on valid information that leads to free and informed choices so the group has an internal commitment to the decision. This paper explains a conceptual framework on how technology and the facilitation processes can be melded to support effective interaction in large, distributed groups of 50 to 5000 individuals. We provide an approach for the development of a complete system to augment the human facilitator. This system would first scan inputs for inconsistencies with the rules then engage the participant in an activity to modify the input to be consistent with the TSF ground rules. Then the inputs are clustered with similar inputs and automatically summarized for the group and the facilitator. At this point group members can continue to contribute to the clusters, which are continuously re-summarized and distributed to the group. Meanwhile, the facilitator is developing a dynamic document of the groups' interactions, behavior, progress and potential conclusions. As the meeting progresses the facilitator will modify processes to focus the group toward reaching conclusions on the cluster summaries. As with small, face-to-face meetings, the goal is to enable the group to reach a decision with appropriate or required levels of commitment from the group members. The functional elements of technology are currently available and have been integrated into robust systems for other applications. Adapting these functional components to a different domain such as group facilitation is feasible with a limited investment.