The role of information and communication technologies in the relationship between group potency and group maintenance outcomes: a longitudinal study

• Published in: Behaviour & information technology Vol. 32; no. 2; pp. 147 - 155
• Main Authors: Lira, E. M., Ripoll, P., Peiró, J. M., Zornoza, A. M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Colchester Taylor & Francis 01.02.2013; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Communication channels; communication media; Communications technology; Exact sciences and technology; Group dynamics; group identification; group potency; Information and communication sciences; Information communication; Information science. Documentation; Information systems; Information technology; Library and information science. General aspects; Maintenance; Media; process satisfaction; Roles; Sciences and techniques of general use; Social identity; Success factors; Teams; Teamwork; Use and user studies. Information needs; Virtual organization; process satisfaction; group identification; Correlation analysis; Information communication technology; Satisfaction; communication media; Identification; group potency; Maintenance; Mass media; Communication
• ISSN: 0144-929X; 1362-3001
• DOI: 10.1080/0144929X.2011.630421

Group potency is one of the major factors influencing work group success. However, little is known about the effects of potency on group maintenance outcomes, especially in virtual teams. The present study examines the moderating role of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in the relationships between potency and group maintenance outcomes in a longitudinal study. The study involved 44 groups of four members each, working in two communication media: face-to-face (F-t-F) and computer-mediated communication (CMC). The groups developed a project during four weekly sessions over a 1-month period. The results showed that ICTs moderated the relationship between potency and maintenance outcomes (process satisfaction and identification). The positive relationship between potency and maintenance outcomes was stronger in CMC groups than in F-t-F groups. The study has provided useful information that contributes to understanding in which contexts group potency produces the best results. Specifically, ICT appears to be a key moderating variable in the relationships between group potency and group maintenance outcomes.