Knowledge Sharing, Communication, and Trust: A Mediated Model of Virtual Team Performance in Indonesia

This paper aims to examine the mediating role of trust in the relationship between communication, knowledge sharing, and virtual team performance in Indonesia. Using a quantitative approach with partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM), it analyzes data collection on 390 respondents working in virtual setting across Indonesia. The research investigates how communication and knowledge sharing influence trust, and, subsequently, virtual team performance in a corporate setting. The findings suggest that although communication does not have a direct effect on virtual team performance, it significantly contributes to trust, which in turn has a positive influence on performance. Knowledge sharing showcases a strong direct impact on both trust and virtual team performance. The study’s findings are limited because of its cross-sectional design and the demographic concentration of respondents within Java Island, affecting generalizability. Future research can be further explored on role-specific dynamics and longitudinal effects in virtual team. This study contributes to growing literature on virtual teams by positioning trust as a mediating factor in team dynamics. It offers actionable insight for organizations to improve virtual team performance through investment in trust-building communication and knowledge-sharing practices.