Date of Award

3-12-2008

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Department of Systems Engineering and Management

First Advisor

Alan R. Heminger, PhD

Abstract

This purpose of this research was to look at the how group performance is influenced by various communication channels. Specifically, this research sought to determine what communication factors are affected when groups are forced to use different communications channels. The three communications channels tested were face-to-face communications, audio conferencing, and computer-mediated communications through an Internet chat program. Each channel was measured on accuracy, efficiency, and total number of ideas generated. The research found that the groups using computer-mediated communications had a difficult time completing the exercises in the allotted time. Additionally, the computer-mediated produced significantly fewer total words and total inputs during the experiment. This research produced no statistical difference between any of the groups in total number of ideas generated and no statistical difference in any of the three categories between the face-to-face and audio conference groups.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-GIR-ENV-08-M16

DTIC Accession Number

ADA480274

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