Start Date

10-12-2017 12:00 AM

Description

To achieve effective virtual teamwork, suitable ICT that effectively support the formation of virtual teams must be identified. This paper presents an experiment on testing how to use ICT to increase shared understanding, satisfaction, and perceived effectiveness in the forming phase of virtual teamwork. We applied the psychological construct of Shared Mental Models (SMM) - more specifically the knowledge structure team task, goal and performance requirements - to evaluate whether the collaborative visualization of a wicked problem with a digital whiteboard can support team members in building SMM. Our results from the experiment reveal that the usage of a digital whiteboard positively affects team interaction, satisfaction, structure and understanding and hence, team performance. Furthermore, the results support findings from prior research that richer media, which allows for synchronicity within communication enhances the communication process.

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Dec 10th, 12:00 AM

Forming Virtual Teams – Visualization with Digital Whiteboards to Increase Shared Understanding, Satisfaction and Perceived Effectiveness

To achieve effective virtual teamwork, suitable ICT that effectively support the formation of virtual teams must be identified. This paper presents an experiment on testing how to use ICT to increase shared understanding, satisfaction, and perceived effectiveness in the forming phase of virtual teamwork. We applied the psychological construct of Shared Mental Models (SMM) - more specifically the knowledge structure team task, goal and performance requirements - to evaluate whether the collaborative visualization of a wicked problem with a digital whiteboard can support team members in building SMM. Our results from the experiment reveal that the usage of a digital whiteboard positively affects team interaction, satisfaction, structure and understanding and hence, team performance. Furthermore, the results support findings from prior research that richer media, which allows for synchronicity within communication enhances the communication process.