Modelling group decision making: Some important aspects for system design

Abstract

The discussion on work flexibility in organizations seems to be promising in terms of self-determination and autonomy of the concerned people. Computer systems offer features to articulate preferences of tasks and times. Therefore the work planning process could be more democratic, since the workers could participate in the decision-making procedure actively. The article investigates how a decision situation can be modelled in order to design a technical support system. In addition it will be analysed as to which social and group dynamic aspects play crucial roles–from a system designer's view. Empirical data on time management processes of various working groups serves as discussion example.