Discuss the effect of group size on verbal and GSS groups.
What are the variables affecting the break-even point?
 
 

This graph illustrates the break-even point for group size and productivity of meeting types. For a verbal meeting, the productivity goes down as the group size increases. For the GDSS meeting, the productivity sharply increases as the group size approaches 8, then levels off with only minor increases in productivity.  A minimum of three participants is necessary for anonymity.

An obvious cause in the difference in productivity is parallel communication vs. serial communication. GSS groups can simultaneously enter comments, suggestions etc., but verbal group members must speak one at a time.

Mitigating variables
. If anonymity is important, BEP <--
. If administrative record keeping is important, BEP <--
. IF participation by all is important, BEP <--
. If participants type slowly, BEP -->
. If participants type quickly, BEP <--

Comparison of big verbal vs. big GDSS meetings
.  A big GSS meeting will generate more comments than a big verbal meeting because of parallel communication and anonymity as members are more likely to participate since anonymity allows for no repercussions from comments and parallel communication allows for more comments in a given amount of time.
. A big GSS meeting provides more satisfaction since the anonymity feature allows group members to participate without fear of retribution, and parallel communication allows members to participate without waiting. 
.  Time in big GSS meetings is far less than in verbal  meetings due to automated record keeping, more participation, and more comments.