Shared mental models and perceived proximity: a comparative case study

Abstract

PurposeThe aim of this study is to understand how virtual teams experience perceived proximity. Existing literature suggests that perceived proximity can be achieved through quality communication and increased identification. However, not much is known as to how these two may be achieved within the context of virtual teams.Design/methodology/approachThe authors address their research question through a comparative case study, with the help of two virtual teams of software developers and the authors adopt a subset from the Constructivist Grounded Theory Method procedures for the purposes of coding to understand the potential explanations regarding the two teams' differences in perceptions of perceived proximity.FindingsThe authors’ study shows that shared mental models support quality communication and team members to identify with the shared values of their team. Quality communication is easier achieved when the team shares a dynamic and evolving understanding of the tools for communication and collaboration. The authors also draw attention to the importance of how work is organised and the influence of the temporal dimension on virtual teams beyond the temporal organisation of collaborative work.Originality/valueThe value of this study is found in its contribution towards the development of a formal connection between perceived proximity and shared mental models, that is empirically grounded, and which holds an explanatory value in addressing how perceived proximity can be supported rather than compromised.

Affective temporal experiences and new work modalities: The role of Information and Communication Technologies

“…Espinosa et al ( Espinosa et al, 2015 ) have discussed that ICTs are most successful when their features are kept constant and allowing team members to appropriate them as they sit fit. This is similar to what Zamani & Pouloudi ( Zamani & Pouloudi, 2022 ) found with regards to the nature of ICTs, whereby ICT-enabled tools for collaboration and coordination evolve dynamically over time and as team members begin developing shared mental models. Along these lines, ICTs are more likely to be ineffective when spatial and temporal dispersion is high because it is these underlying circumstances that prohibit problem solving ( O’Leary & Cummings, 2007a ).…”

“…The concept of temporal distance (or temporal proximity) sits within the practice-based perspective of time. The concept draws attention to perceived or real (time zone based) temporal differences among team members, and most typically studies focus on obstacles that influence and/or inhibit collaboration (e.g., Huang et al, 2013 ), coordination (e.g., Espinosa et al, 2015 , Mohammed et al, 2015 ) and shared understandings ( Mohammed and Nadkarni, 2014 , Zamani and Pouloudi, 2022 ). Often temporal distance is examined together with the members’ spatial dispersion ( O’Leary et al, 2014 ; e.g., Wilson et al, 2008 ).…”

“… ICTs are better understood by allowing team members to appropriate them as they see fit ( Espinosa et al, 2015 ). Dynamically evolving ICTs over time relatively to work requirements support coordination, collaboration ( Zamani & Pouloudi, 2022 ). Temporal Flexibility Temporal flexibility may relate to how workers allocate their contracted hours across the day/week/month ( Schmoll, 2019 ) and across spaces and places (Alexander, Dijst, et al, 2010).…”

“…Dynamically evolving ICTs over time relatively to work requirements support coordination, collaboration ( Zamani & Pouloudi, 2022 ).…”

A Confirmation Bias View on Social Media Induced Polarisation During Covid-19

“…In the words of R30 (Logistics coordinator with 3 years of experience from logistics and supply chain), “ Earlier it was expected that internet and other social media can provide greater transparency by offering more content, however with varied expectations and experiences of stakeholders has developed a different kind of environment for users and their thought process”. Many social media users consume the information without seeing the source and develop their theories for the topic of their interest or related to it (Westerwick et al, 2017 ; Zamani & Pouloudi, 2021 ). Social media is a mix of genuine and fake content posted by related individuals, groups or organisations and it is very difficult to make out and filter the true ones (Tim et al, 2018 ).…”