Challenges in Virtual Team Communication in the Context of Virtual Exchange Experience

Autor/inn/en	Ala-Kortesmaa, Sanna; Muñoz, Candice
Titel	Challenges in Virtual Team Communication in the Context of Virtual Exchange Experience
Quelle	In: European Journal of Open, Distance and E-Learning, 25 (2023) 1, S.49-61 (13 Seiten) PDF als Volltext Verfügbarkeit
Zusatzinformation	ORCID (Ala-Kortesmaa, Sanna)
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
DOI	10.2478/eurodl-2023-0004
Schlagwörter	Intercultural Communication; College Students; Foreign Countries; Barriers; Computer Mediated Communication; Teamwork; Cultural Differences; Language Proficiency; Student Motivation; Interpersonal Communication; Social Media; Finland; United States + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Interkulturelle Kommunikation; Collegestudent; Ausland; Computerkonferenz; Kultureller Unterschied; Language skill; Language skills; Sprachkompetenz; Schulische Motivation; Interpersonale Kommunikation; Soziale Medien; Finnland; USA
Abstract	As technology has enabled people across the world to collaborate and create virtual communities, the ability to interact in computer-mediated, cross-cultural environments in a meaningful way has become a necessity. This is particularly true for younger adults who operate in virtual teams during their studies, for instance in virtual exchange projects, and later in their professional life. In this qualitative study, we examined the features and functionality of cross-cultural communication in virtual exchange teams. By analysing three datasets produced by Finnish university and American community college students (n=38) who participated in a virtual exchange, we examined what kinds of challenges emerge in the communication of virtual teams and how students use theories of computer-mediated communication when trying to make sense of those challenges. The results of the reflexive thematic analysis indicated that the challenges in communication of virtual teams stem from cultural and motivational differences. These challenges could be alleviated by increasing the shared work time allocated for social information sharing and for constructing appropriate, team-specific ways to express online social presence and propinquity. The findings highlight the meaningfulness and relationality of virtual team communication and provide insight into motivational factors and the sense of belonging when communication challenges arise. (As Provided).
Anmerkungen	Sciendo, a company of De Gruyter Poland. 32 Zuga Street, 01-811 Warsaw, Poland. Tel: +48-22-701-5015; e-mail: info@sciendo.com; Web site: https://www.sciendo.com
Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2024/1/01