Group Task Performance and Communication Technology: A Longitudinal Study of Computer-Mediated Versus Face-to-Face Work Groups

Abstract

This article explores the effectiveness of two theoretical models in predicting the effects of computer-mediated comnusnication and task type on group taskperformance. Thefirstmodel (task as moderator) predicts that the type of task on which the group is working moderates the effects of communication medium on task performance over time. The second model (change as moderator) predicts that cumulative experience and certain kinds of changes imposed on the group moderate these effects. The relationship between technology and task performance appeared to be more dependent on experience with the technology and with group membership than on the type of task on which the group was working. Results also suggested that the newness of the medium and not the newness of the group led to poorer task performance for computer groups in some weeks. Although there were no differences in performance between computer groups andface-to-face groupsfor generate and decision-making tasks,face-to-face groups performed betteron negotiation and intellective tasks than did their computer-mediated counterparts. Results supported all of the predictions of the second model but only partially supported the first model. These findings have important implications forfuture research and practice.