| Summary: | A study was conducted to examine how a group decision support system (GDSS) influenced how group decisions developed over time. Groups using the GDSS were contrasted with groups manually using the same procedural structures incorporated in the GDSS and with groups using no procedural structures. A flexible phase mapping method was used to identify the unique aspects of each decision path. Optimal matching, combined with cluster analysis and multidimensional scaling, allowed the identification of qualitatively different sets of paths. Findings indicated that the nature of decision paths varied across the three conditions and within conditions. In addition, the decision path types were related to three outcome variables: consensus change, perceived decision quality, and decision scheme satisfaction. Those decision paths that most resembled logical normative sequences had superior outcomes to those that did not.
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