Investigating Virtual Interactions in Teamwork

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to identify the indicators of team virtual interactions or virtuality and the dimensions of teamwork and to examine the relationships between them. In this regard, work teams with different levels of virtual interactions on home appliance companies were examined. Method: In the present study, 29 teams were randomly selected. To test the research hypotheses, structural equation modeling method was applied in the Smart pls software. Results: Our findings demonstrated that the extent of virtual interactions of team members has a significant effect on some aspects of teamwork. Accordingly, the more virtual interactions of the teams were linked to the higher negative relationship between conflict and trust and the less positive relationship between trust and cooperation. On the other hand, virtual interactions have little effect on the positive relationship between trust and job satisfaction and organizational commitment. Conclusions: Virtual interactions have an effect on different dimensions of teamwork and the relationship between these dimensions can be influenced.