Conflict and performance in global virtual teams

被引:201
作者
Kankanhalli, Atreyi [1 ]
Tan, Bernard C. Y.
Wei, Kwok-Kee
机构
[1] Natl Univ Singapore, Dept Informat Syst, Singapore 117548, Singapore
[2] City Univ Hong Kong, Dept Informat Syst, Hong Kong, Peoples R China
关键词
communication technology; conflict resolution; conflict types; diversity; global virtual teams; task characteristics; team conflict; team performance;
D O I
10.2753/MIS0742-1222230309
中图分类号
TP [自动化技术、计算机技术];
学科分类号
0812 ;
摘要
Increasing globalization and advances in communication technology have fuelled the emergence of global virtual teams (GVTs). There is much potential for conflict in GVTs as members work across cultural, geographical, and time boundaries. This study examines the antecedents of GVT conflict and the circumstances under which conflict affects team performance. An in-depth study of GVT conflict episodes was carried out using interviews, observations, communication logs, and documents. Based on findings from the teams under study interpreted in the light of prior literature, propositions are developed about the antecedents and effects of GVT conflict as stated. Within GVTs, cultural diversity is likely to contribute to both task and relationship conflict while functional diversity may result in task conflict. Large volumes of electronic communication and lack of immediacy of feedback in asynchronous media can contribute to task conflict. Moreover, the relationship between task conflict and team performance is likely to be contingent upon task complexity and conflict resolution approach. The influence of relationship conflict on performance may depend on task interdependence and conflict resolution approach. The conflict resolution approach may in turn be determined by the nature of conflict attribution. These propositions have been synthesized into a model to guide future empirical research and GVT practice.
引用
收藏
页码:237 / 274
页数:38
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