A test of task-technology fit theory for group support systems

Abstract

Group support systems (GSS) provide both promise and puzzlement. Experimental studies of different systems over the years have resulted in conflicting findings --- sometimes enhancing group performance, at other times having no effect, and occasionally even resulting in worse performance for GSS-supported groups than for traditional groups. Researchers have speculated that the mixed results are due to a poor fit of the GSS with the group's task. A recent model of task-technology fit has provided a theoretical perspective from which to test this issue. In this paper, a theory of task-technology fit is tested by applying it to a selected set of published GSS experiments. Key constructs in the theory are operationalized via coding instruments, and the application of the coding scheme provides support for the theory.