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Effects on Decision Quality of Supporting Multi-attribute Evaluation in Groups
1Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes
|November 1, 1996
Summary
Multi-attribute utility (MAU) decision support aids simple personnel selection by improving agreement and satisfaction. For complex problems, however, group decision-making without MAU support is preferred.
Area of Science:
- Decision Science
- Cognitive Psychology
- Organizational Behavior
Background:
- Group decision-making effectiveness varies with problem complexity.
- Multi-attribute utility (MAU) decision support tools aim to structure complex choices.
- The impact of MAU support on group dynamics and outcomes requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of MAU decision support in group personnel selection tasks.
- To compare MAU support versus no support across problems of varying complexity.
- To assess the influence of MAU support on individual and group decision outcomes and satisfaction.
Main Methods:
- Participants made individual decisions, then group decisions on personnel selection problems.
- MAU decision support was provided to individuals and/or groups.
- Problem complexity was manipulated, and outcomes like agreement, satisfaction, and perceived influence were measured.
Main Results:
- For simple problems, combined individual and group MAU support enhanced agreement, satisfaction, and communication.
- For complex problems, group decision-making without MAU support yielded more favorable evaluations.
- Individual MAU support offered some benefits for complex problems, but group MAU support was less effective.
Conclusions:
- MAU decision support is beneficial for simple group selection tasks, improving process and outcomes.
- For complex group selection, avoiding group MAU support may lead to better perceived outcomes.
- The utility of MAU decision support is contingent on the complexity of the decision problem.