What Are The Strengths And Weaknesses Of A Group Decision Support System

Introduction In organizations, decision-making often requires many people to work together and spend a lot of time in meetings. These meetings may be enhanced using a Group Decision Support System. Group Decision Support System, or GDSS, is “an interactive, computer- based system that helps a team of decision-makers solve problems and make choices. GDSS are targeted to supporting groups in analyzing problem situations and in performing group decision-making tasks” (Power 2005). Group Decision Support Systems are designed to help groups in meetings reach a consensus. “The fundamental goal of a GDSS is to support collaborative work activities such as idea creation, message exchange, project planning, document preparation, mutual product creation

262). Group decision provides a greater variety of views. This allows the opportunity to consider other approaches. With group decision there tends to be more accepting the solution. Robbins states, participates of the decision making are more likely to support and motivate others to accept it. (Robbins, 2015, p. 262) GDSS creates parallel communication; eliminating monopolizing, which increases participation. Another advantage of GDSS is the automated record keeping. Also GDSS has the ability of have virtual meetings which allows people from different parts of the world to connect and

In a group decision, people may feel pressure to conform their solution. Another possible disadvantage is that it can lead to a diffusion of responsibility. Boundless states “group decisions can make it easier for a member to deny personal responsibility and blame others for bad decisions” (Boundless, 2015). Weakness also so include the cost from hardware and program. Security could also be an issue. Because GDSS is computer based there are bound to be technical problems which includes power loss and losing internet