Ineffective use of text-based synchronous computer-mediated communication (CMC), that is, chats, may affect the quality of communicative exchange compared to effective use and to face-to-face (FtF) communication. Especially in groups making decisions in equivocal judgmental tasks, inappropriate use of the CMC medium often impairs performance. Users need high communication and media competencies to overcome the negative effects brought about by the technology. Without intervention, mutual understanding and satisfaction with the group process are reduced in computer-mediated decision groups.Training that helps participants adapt to the medium should provide them with the needed competencies. The authors found a complex pattern of process and outcome effects with the best performance scores in the FtF condition, performance scores in CMC with training approximating those of the FtF condition, and lowest performance scores in CMC without training.

P r a x i s b e r i c h t eZusammenfassung: Die autorinnen entwickelten und evaluierten ein Online-coaching zur Verbesserung des selbstmanagements, der Work-Life-balance und der bewerbungschancen von Nachwuchswissenschaftler/innen im Rahmen eines berufsqualifizierenden Programms der Universität Göttingen. Mehr als 60 teilnehmer/innen besuchten zunächst ein assessment-center, 50 durchliefen dann ein zweiwöchiges Online-Coaching mit einem Follow-Up nach drei Monaten. Die quantitative und qualitative Evaluation zeigte, dass Frauen eine geringere Medienkompetenz berichteten als Männer und dass hoch Medienkompetente ihren Trainingserfolg höher einschätzten, aber Frauen und Männer gleichermaßen von dem Coaching profitierten, indem sie ihre Zeitsouveränität, Work-Life-balance und selbstorganisation nachhaltig verbesserten.Abstract: Within a vocational program at the University of Göttingen, the authors developed and evaluated an online-coaching in order to enhance the self-management, the work-life-balance and the job opportunities of junior researchers. 50 participants first attended an assessment center, 60 participants proceeded with an online-coaching of two weeks duration. The 3-month-follow-up included detailed feedbacks to every participant. Quantitative and qualitative analysis showed that media competencies affected the self-perception of training outcomes. Though female participants reported less media competencies than males, men and women benefited equally and sustainably in the enhancement of time options, work-life-balance, and self-management.

No abstract