Communication and the Learning Effectiveness of Multinational Teams

Abstract

We examined the effects of group structure and electronic communication patterns on the performance of 18 multinational teams over an 8-month period. The teams were composed of a mix of Western and non-Western executives located throughout the world. In these highly diverse teams, team performance did not vary as a function of demographic heterogeneity; however, demographic homogeneity within the teams’ subgroups negatively affected team performance. The following communication patterns were associated with better team performance: a hierarchical communication structure, expressions of trust in the team's competence, references to the self, and information-providing statements.

Citation

DeSanctis, G. and Jiang, L. (2005), "Communication and the Learning Effectiveness of Multinational Teams", Shapiro, D.L., Von Glinow, M.A. and Cheng, J.L.C. (Ed.) Managing Multinational Teams: Global Perspectives (Advances in International Management, Vol. 18), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 97-123. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0747-7929(05)18004-4