Some Things Are Better Left Unseen: Toward More Effective Communication And Team Performance In Video-Mediated Interactions

Authors

Martin Hassell, Marquette UniversityFollow
John Cotton, Marquette UniversityFollow

Document Type

Article

Language

eng

Publication Date

8-2017

Publisher

Elsevier (Cell Press)

Source Publication

Computers in Human Behavior

Abstract

By default, most video-mediated communication systems show the user his or her own video feed, yet there is no prior research to show if this helps or hinders communication. In general, virtual teams desire richer media to improve team interaction. However, in this case more information may not be helpful. Drawing on Objective Self Awareness theory in social psychology and theories of cognitive overload from communication, hypotheses are proposed concerning how viewing oneself influences virtual team interaction. It is argued that viewing oneself will lead to lower team performance and other negative outcomes. The hypotheses are tested in a laboratory experiment, manipulating whether participants were able to view their own feeds during video-mediated communication. The results suggest that viewing oneself leads to a reduction in team performance and individual satisfaction. The findings, in terms of several theoretical explanations, and implications for managers and systems designers are discussed in the paper.

Comments

Accepted version. Computers in Human Behavior, Vol 73 (August 2017): 200-208. DOI. © 2017 Elsevier (Cell Press). Used with permission.

Recommended Citation

Hassell, Martin and Cotton, John, "Some Things Are Better Left Unseen: Toward More Effective Communication And Team Performance In Video-Mediated Interactions" (2017). Management Faculty Research and Publications. 273.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/mgmt_fac/273