Towards A Theoretical Model Of The Impacts Of Incorporating Webcams In Virtual Teams

Abstract

Virtual teams have proliferated over the last ten years as businesses realized benefits in coordinating across geographic and departmental boundaries. Studies of virtual teams, however, have revealed uneven success in team effectiveness. With the increase in quality and availability of video over the Internet, there are opportunities to improve effectiveness of virtual teams by integrating videoconferencing into synchronous meetings. The purpose of this qualitative study is to evaluate the impact of video on team interactions and effectiveness. Results showed a relationship between the added richness and authenticity brought about by video and increased effectiveness, while also showing a relationship between the increased stress of learning new technology and decreased effectiveness.