The effect of task complexity and conflict handling styles on computer-supported negotiations

Prior research has indicated that groups using Negotiation Support Systems (NSS) achieve better outcomes than face-to-face groups. However, these studies indicate that the main source of value added is provided by the Decision Support System (DSS) component, with very little additional value provided by the electronic communication component. This study examines the value added by the electronic communication component, taking into consideration task complexity and conflict handling style of the participants. Both these are likely to impact the extent to which computer-support enhances negotiation outcomes.