Communication in Virtual Teams: A Conceptual Model for Effective Use of Technology

Communication is one of the most important challenges for virtual teams (VTs). Interaction and collaboration among these teams occur through information and communication technologies. Generation gap between members who are not digital natives and their young teammates, may lead to different perceptions regarding the use of technology. Moreover, selected technological tools and functionalities should be appropriate to the organizational context, team objectives, and tasks at hand. Based on a literature review of task-technology fit (TTF) and technology acceptance model (TAM), a conceptual model was elaborated for the context of VTs. This proposed model, which integrates TAM and TTF, aims to put forth a framework for improving the use of technological tools by online team members. This work contributes to the theoretical knowledge by highlighting the relationship between virtual collaboration context, team members’ attitudes and behaviors, and the performance impact in terms of technology adoption and use. It can also be used, in practice, to leverage the use of the technological tools within VTs. Additional studies are needed to test the proposed model in various virtual contexts.