FACE-TO-FACE VS COMPUTER-MEDIATED- COMMUNICATION TEAM DECISION PERFORMANCE IN STOCKTRAK INVESTMENT SIMULATIONS

Feng-shun “Leo” Bin
Leonard Branson
University of Illinois Springfield
Fang He
Midwest Energy Company
ABSTRACT
Few studies have explicitly focused on the comparisons between face-to-face (FTF) and
computer-mediated communication (CMC) teams in their information-sharing efficiency and
decision-making effectiveness based on financial market transaction performance. This
interdisciplinary study integrated the fields of information system management, investment
analysis and financial education by examining both FTF and CMC teamwork in StockTrak
portfolio simulations. Information-sharing behaviors could be influenced not only by contextual
forces but also by personality and trust. This study investigated communication mode, trust and
personality and examined the possible impact of these constructs on risky group decision-making
outcomes. This study found that even though FTF team members tend to feel greater levels of
trust, affiliation and satisfaction in their team collaboration process, CMC teams sometimes
outperform their FTF counterparts by having greater portfolio returns and investor utilities.