Group interaction styles in a virtual context: The effects on group outcomes

The influence of communication and information technologies (TICs) on group functioning and group outcomes is an important topic. Interdependent group work implies the need to communicate in order to share information and knowledge related to the task. The importance of this group interaction in the group functioning and outcomes stands out. In this sense, a line of investigation has arisen to study the role of interaction styles in the relationship between communication technology and group outcomes, as some functional or dysfunctional outputs depend on group interaction styles. From this perspective, the objective of this study is twofold: (1) to analyze the group interaction styles in virtual teams over time, and (2) to analyze whether the group virtuality level moderates the relationships between group interaction style and group outcomes over time. Data was collected from a laboratory study in which 44 groups of four members participated. Groups were randomly assigned to communication contexts with different virtuality levels. The results obtained have shown a differential role of group interaction style according to the group virtuality level. Virtuality level plays a moderate role in the relationships between passive group interaction style and objective and subjective outcomes and between constructive interaction style and subjective outcomes.