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Innovation and Communication Media in Virtual Teams – An Experimental Study

Author

Listed:
  • Grözinger, Nicola

    (University of Cologne)

  • Irlenbusch, Bernd

    (University of Cologne)

  • Laske, Katharina

    (University of Cologne)

  • Schröder, Marina

    (Hannan University)

Abstract
In a novel real-effort setting, we experimentally study the effects of different communication media on creative performance in a collaborative tasks. We find that creative performance significantly decreases when group members communicate via chat instead of face-to-face. However, we find no significant difference between performances of groups that communicate via video conferences as compared to face-to-face. Thus, we provide evidence that barriers to creativity in virtual teams can be mitigated by real-time video conference communication.

Suggested Citation

  • Grözinger, Nicola & Irlenbusch, Bernd & Laske, Katharina & Schröder, Marina, 2020. "Innovation and Communication Media in Virtual Teams – An Experimental Study," IZA Discussion Papers 13218, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp13218
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    creativity; communication; laboratory experiment; real-effort; complex problem solving; innovation;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C91 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Laboratory, Individual Behavior
    • J30 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - General
    • M52 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Personnel Economics - - - Compensation and Compensation Methods and Their Effects
    • O30 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - General

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