Group processes in conflict: the impact of communication channels on consensus building

Abstract

Most researchers, practitioners and theorists describe group problem solving as having a divergent phase (production) and a convergent phase (selection). Research has shown that groups using multiple communication channels produce more ideas, and more unique ideas than groups using a single communication channel. The research study described here attempts to extend this theme and more closely examine the impact of the production phase on the selection phase of group problem solving. The results show that groups using a single communication channel generate more actual consensus than groups using multiple communication channels. In addition, the single channel discussions provide more integrative comments and these integrative comments may help explain the difference in consensus.