Stakeholder identification and assumption surfacing in small groups: an experimental study

The authors investigated the impact of a GDSS (group decision support systems) based on the stakeholder identification and assumption surfacing model for strategic planning impact analysis. A controlled laboratory experiment was used to compare the results of four-person groups which had GDSS support, comparable manual support, and no support. Measures were taken on decision outcomes (quality, time and satisfaction with the outcomes) and decision process variables (quantity of unique alternatives, distribution of individual participation, and satisfaction with the process). Observational data was recorded through the use of videotape of the sessions. Results of the experiment are presented