The Influence of Virtuality on Social Networks Within and Across Work Groups: A Multilevel Approach

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Suh, Ayoung; Shin, Kyung-Shik; Ahuja, Manju; Kim, Min Soo
• 署名单位: Ewha Womans University; University of Louisville; Indiana University System; Indiana University Bloomington; State University System of Florida; Florida State University; Pennsylvania Commonwealth System of Higher Education (PCSHE); Pennsylvania State University; Pennsylvania State University - University Park; Hanyang University
• 刊物名称: JOURNAL OF MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0742-1222
• DOI: 10.2753/MIS0742-1222280111
• 发表日期: 2011
• 页码: 351-386
• 关键词: COMPUTER-MEDIATED COMMUNICATION; weak ties; KNOWLEDGE; performance; CONFLICT; teams; interactivity; individuals; PERSPECTIVE; IDENTITY

摘要

We examine how the virtuality of work context influences individuals' social networks within and across work groups. Given this purpose, we develop a multilevel research framework that explores the effects of different levels of virtuality on one's intra-group tie strength and extra-group network range based on the computer-mediated communication theory, the proximity theory, and the social network theory. The results of the hierarchical linear modeling indicate that the individual-level virtuality (use of personal and communal communication technologies) significantly influences one's intra-group tie strength and extra-group network range. Moreover, the results show that the effects of individual-level virtuality on social networks vary depending on the group-level virtuality, such as geographic/temporal dispersion and technological support. By illuminating how individuals' social networks can be developed through the appropriate use of personal and communal communication technologies in the context of a virtual group, this study provides useful insights into the mechanics that underlie effective virtual work.