GSS for cooperative policymaking: No trivial matter

Through its intrinsic complexity policy making presents a challenging supportive process for GSS support. This paper presents two case studies for GSS to support policy-making. Apart from meeting process and outcome we measured policy context, preparation and long-term impact. Results suggest that GSS support reached the limit for effective group support. Idea generation, visual modeling and anonymity appear highly successful in a multi party policy environment, whereas lack of expression possibilities of the support system, divergence of goals and views of participants, and sense of voting is evaluated less favorable. On method, assessment of the impact long after the session surfaces new insights, thus stressing the need for more longitudinal research in GSS.