The impact of group process variables on the effectiveness of distance collaboration groups

• Published in: Computers in human behavior 2003-09, Vol.19 (5), p.629-648
• Main Authors: González, Mauricio G., Burke, Michael J., Santuzzi, Alecia M., Bradley, Jill C.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Computer-mediated groups; Distance collaboration; Electronic communication; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry; Psychology. Psychophysiology; Social interactions. Communication. Group processes; Social psychology
• ISSN: 0747-5632; 1873-7692
• DOI: 10.1016/S0747-5632(02)00084-5

We tested competing models of group effectiveness for 71 distance collaboration groups (equipos) comprised of 200 Mexican business students solving cases via electronic communication in a virtual education program. For one model, task cohesion was specified as an exogenous variable leading to collective efficacy and, ultimately, group effectiveness; whereas, in the second model, task cohesion was specified as a mediator of the relationship between collective efficacy and group effectiveness. The results provided support for the model where task cohesion mediated the relationship between collective efficacy and group effectiveness and where group behavioral performance (facilitating team and peer performance) had a direct effect on group effectiveness. The implications of these findings for the study and management of distance collaboration groups are discussed.