Reducing Group Conflict and Animosity using Consensus Metadata: An Action Research Study

摘要

Group support systems (GSS) researchers and developers have over the years developed effective GSS capabilities, such as anonymity, which have served the group process effectively. However, the area of consensus-building is not as well-enriched with GSS capabilities. In this study we empirically investigate the use of consensus metadata to build consensus while limiting conflict and animosity. Our action research study findings show that this metadata is effective in advancing consensus even though it does not surface hidden agendas. Additional processual interventions are needed to detect hidden agendas. This consensus metadata is a potential GSS capability.