Embedding facilitation in group support systems to manage distributed group behavior

Abstract

Addresses the need for automated facilitation to buttress facilitation efforts in managing behavior in a virtual environment. It is within this environment that we need to concentrate our efforts, as the nature of virtual work brings added challenges to successful facilitation. We propose the concept of embedded facilitation, in which we implant intelligent agent-based behavioral indicators into group support systems (GSSs) to serve as the "eyes and ears" of the facilitator, and where, based on these indicators, either automated repeatable processes are launched or thinkLets are suggested to the facilitator from which to select and launch processes. We suggest that embedded facilitation would reduce the need for the facilitator to fully understand intervention techniques. It is our contention that, in embedding facilitation, the use of GSSs could be made scalable and dramatically alter the way in which virtual teams interact.