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Facilitation of Group Communication

A Critique of Prior Research and an Agenda for Future Research

University of Iowa

Dennis S. Gouran

Pennsylvania State University

This article reviews and critiques the research that has been conducted on the facilitative influence of communication on group decision-making and problem-solving performance. It identifies specific contributions that have been made in various lines of investigation, and points out research gaps that exist currently. The article concludes with a research agenda that highlights critical research questions and issues most in need of address if we are to increase our understanding of the ways that group problem solving and decision making can be enhanced by facilitating interaction processes.

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