Graduation Year

2012

Document Type

Thesis

Degree

M.A.

Degree Granting Department

Psychology

Major Professor

Michael D. Coovert

Keywords

change, structural equation model, team effectiveness, trust, virtual teams

Abstract

Advances in collaborative work tools and communication technologies have made computer-mediated teams a part of virtually every organization. One of the challenges for members of virtual teams is the development of trust. This study examined the reciprocal relationship between trust and effectiveness in virtual teams, employing an input-process-output-input approach. Data were collected from 183 individuals comprising 61 teams. Teams participated in a computer-simulated search and rescue mission. Three alternative latent change score structural equation models were fit to the data to examine the bidirectional relationships between trust and effectiveness. Results revealed that the two

factors of trust, cognition-based trust and affect-based trust, are always present, therefore examination of the trust-effectiveness relationship for each trust factor is warranted. The analyses revealed that generally, effectiveness has an impact on changes in trust, but trust does not influence the changes in effectiveness. Implications for organizations are discussed. Future research should examine the relationships between in trust and effectiveness on the team level. Additionally, research should explore the reciprocal relationship between each trust factors and effectiveness subtypes - attitudinal, behavioral, and performance effectiveness.

Download

Share

COinS