Perceptions of Virtual Team Communication Effectiveness: The Role of Team Member Identity Motives and Media Characteristics

Perceptions of Virtual Team Communication Effectiveness: The Role of Team Member Identity Motives and Media Characteristics

Online

Although much research has examined how individuals convey their identities to others at work and outcomes related to identity communication, we know little about outcomes associated with identity communication in virtual settings. In this study, we examine the relationship between professionals’ motives for communicating their identities to others and their perceptions of virtual team communication effectiveness. In doing so, we consider the moderating role of features of the communication media (information control, reach, reprocessability) on these relationships. We find that three motives (self-protection, self-creation, and self-enhancement) relate to team members’ perceptions of communication effectiveness. We also find evidence for the influence of communication media features on several of these relationships. We provide an overview of our data collection methodology and results, concluding with theoretical and practical implications.

https://aisel.aisnet.org/hicss-54/cl/social_and_psychological_perspectives/3