Anonymity Enhancing Technologies (AETs) in GDSS Supported Meetings

Abstract

Using the anonymity feature of GDSS (Group Decision Support Systems) meeting application as a backbone, this paper is aimed to find out whether enhancing technical anonymity in the GDSS supported meetings will increase participants' confidence in the software's confidentiality, causing more productive discussions. Some Anonymity Enhancing Technologies (AETs) are discussed, and their impact on ensuring anonymity is investigated. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with experienced facilitators, technical support individuals and users of GDSS meeting software, from real business environmental settings. The `FacilitatePro' and `MeetingSphere' meeting applications were investigated for the research. The paper illustrates some results, and proposes future research related to AETs in GDSS supported meetings.