How do different types of intragroup conflict affect group potency in virtual compared with face-to-face teams? A longitudinal study

• Published in: Behaviour & information technology Vol. 27; no. 2; pp. 107 - 114
• Main Authors: Lira, E. M., Ripoll, P., Peiró, J. M., Orengo, V.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Taylor & Francis 01.03.2008
• Subjects: Communication media; Group potency; Intragroup conflict; Longitudinal study
• ISSN: 0144-929X; 1362-3001
• DOI: 10.1080/01449290600875151

The number of organizations using teamwork is increasing. In this context, group potency has emerged as a key construct in group research. Moreover, in the last decades, information and communication technologies (ICT) have allowed organizations to form virtual teams. Consequently, a considerable amount of research has analysed the functioning of virtual teams. We focus on intragroup conflict as a relevant antecedent of potency in computer-mediated communication groups. Specifically, the aim of this research is to examine the role of ICT in the relationship between intragroup conflict and group potency in a longitudinal study. A laboratory experiment was carried out comparing 44 groups working in two communication media (face-to-face and computer-mediated communication). The groups developed a project over a one-month period. The results show that communication media play a moderator role between intragroup conflict (relationship and task conflict) and group potency. Implications of these results are discussed.