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A conceptual framework of anonymity in Group Support Systems

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Abstract

As the development and use of automated systems for collaborative work grows, the need for a better understanding of these systems becomes more important. Our focus is on one type of system, a Group Support System (GSS) and, in particular, on one important aspect of a GSS—anonymity. A conceptual framework for the study of anonymity in a GSS is presented, which describes the general classes of variables and their relationships. These variables include the factors that influence anonymity in a GSS, types of anonymity, and the effects of anonymity on a message sender, receiver, group process, and outcome. Each of these variables is discussed with working propositions presented for important group process and outcome measures. The objectives of this article are to highlight the importance and complexity of anonymity, to act as a guide for empirical investigations of anonymity, and to influence future GSS development and use.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Decision and Information Systems Department, School of Business, Indiana University, 47405, Bloomington, IN, USA

    Joseph S. Valacich

  2. College of Business Administration, California State Univesity, 92096-0001, San Marcos, CA, USA

    Leonard M. Jessup

  3. Department of Management, Terry College of Business, University of Georgia, 30602, Athens, GA, USA

    Alan R. Dennis

  4. Deparment of Management Information Systems, College of Business Administration, University of Arizona, 85721, Tucson, AZ, USA

    J. F. Nunamaker Jr.

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  1. Joseph S. Valacich
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  2. Leonard M. Jessup
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  4. J. F. Nunamaker Jr.
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Valacich, J.S., Jessup, L.M., Dennis, A.R. et al. A conceptual framework of anonymity in Group Support Systems. Group Decis Negot 1, 219–241 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00126264

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