Communicating via video conferencing: The mediating effect of member influence disparity on task performance

Kim, H. K., Shim, S., Sun Joo (Grace) Ahn & Lee, S. (in press). “Communicating via video conferencing: The mediating effect of member influence disparity on task performance.” Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking. Abstract: As virtual communication enables geographically dispersed teams to collaborate, organizations increasingly rely on virtual platforms. However, virtual communication can sometimes undermine team processes and outcomes. While previous studies highlight psychological stress (i.e., Zoom fatigue) as a key factor affecting virtual team processes, we propose that hierarchical structures also play a significant role. These structures, characterized by disparities in member influence, often reflect higher-status individuals dominating decision-making processes. Through an experimental study, we find that teams using video conferencing experience greater disparities in member influence compared to face-to-face teams, which in turn negatively affects their task performance. The findings offer important theoretical and practical implications for understanding hierarchy in virtual communication, group decision-making processes, and the overall performance of teams in virtual environments.