Building on disagreement visually: the system and the method

  • Elitsa Alexander
  • , Martin J. Eppler
  • , Alice Comi

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

    Abstract

    In this paper we introduce an information system and a research method that use disagreement in order to provide value adding insights relevant for research and work practice. The system includes an innovative electronic survey platform which reports and visualizes disagreement in survey results. Based on an index of disagreement algorithm, survey results are automatically aggregated into visualizations. Survey questions are displayed in descending order, with the questions that have received the most discrepant answers being placed on top. The researcher shows the visualizations to the survey participants in follow-up group conversations (dissent conversations) and uses the visualizations as focal points to guide the conversations. The visual display of disagreement spurs an exchange of interpretations and insights. Based on a study with 57 managers, we show that applying our system and method enables researchers and research participants to jointly produce interpretations that enrich survey results and revise correlational models. The system and the method introduced in this paper contribute toward improving collaborative thinking in groups by unpacking the reasons for disagreement, revealing unpopular truths and individual motivations and perceptions, and leveraging on cognitive diversity in knowledge creation.
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationPublished in proceedings: AIS eLibrary ECIS 2018 Proceedings Collections: Research papers ISBN 9781861376671 Organising Body: Systems and Information Systems Research Group in the School of Computing, University of Portsmouth Organising Body: Systems and Information Systems Research Group in the School of Computing, University of Portsmouth
    Publication statusPublished - 23 Jun 2018

    Bibliographical note

    Note: Published in proceedings: AIS eLibrary ECIS 2018 Proceedings Collections: Research papers ISBN 9781861376671

    Organising Body: Systems and Information Systems Research Group in the School of Computing, University of Portsmouth

    Organising Body: Systems and Information Systems Research Group in the School of Computing, University of Portsmouth

    Keywords

    • Business and management studies

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    • Building on disagreement visually: the system and the method

      Alexander, E., Eppler, M. J. & Comi, A., 23 Jun 2018.

      Research output: Contribution to conferencePaperpeer-review

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