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Training to improve virtual team communication
Author(s) -
Warkentin Merrill,
Beranek Peggy M.
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
information systems journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.635
H-Index - 89
eISSN - 1365-2575
pISSN - 1350-1917
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-2575.1999.00065.x
Subject(s) - workgroup , virtual team , knowledge management , interpersonal communication , information exchange , team effectiveness , process (computing) , computer mediated communication , computer science , perception , psychology , the internet , world wide web , social psychology , computer network , telecommunications , neuroscience , operating system
. Organizations are utilizing virtual teams, comprising workgroup members who communicate and collaborate with technology, to accomplish tasks. These teams are geographically distributed and communicate via computer‐mediated communication systems (CMCS), and may never or rarely meet face‐to‐face. Relational links among team members have been found to be a significant contributor to the effectiveness of information exchange in the use of CMCS. In most cases, team members receive little or no training to improve the effectiveness of this form of communication. When training is used, it often focuses on software utilization skills, not on interpersonal communication dynamics. This paper discusses the effect of virtual team communication training on group interactions, especially for enhancing these relational links and thereby improving communication and information exchange in virtual teams. It was found that teams that were given appropriate training exhibited improved perceptions of the interaction process over time, specifically with regard to trust, commitment and frank expression between members. Discussion of the role of training on virtual team processes and outcomes is discussed and future research implications are presented.