Selection and Effects of Channels in Distributed Communication and Decision-Making Tasks: A Theoretical Review and a Proposed Research Paradigm

摘要

This research note examines relationships between the communication patterns of decision groups and the nature and outcomes of their decision process. It looks at the selection of particular channels and channel effects in particular. A review of research indicates that no satisfactory theoretical framework has yet been developed that accounts for the often strategic and tactical nature of communication channel selection. An initial theory is outlined, establishing quantifiable relationships among causally linked sets of variables: characteristics of the decision group, characteristics of the decision task, channel selections made by the group, structural and content characteristics of the messages produced, decisions reached, and perceived characteristics of the decision process.