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The emergence of a communication climate in global virtual teams

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  • Glikson, Ella
  • Erez, Miriam

Abstract

Focusing on the micro-dynamics of intercultural communication in global virtual teams, we hypothesize that relationally-oriented content, communicated in the first message, and exchanged in the early stage of team formation, facilitates the emergence of psychologically safe communication climate, which in turn improves team performance. We test our hypotheses by examining early asynchronous communication in sixty global virtual teams of MBA students and measuring team communication climate and performance. Our findings support the hypotheses and reveal the anchoring role of the first message exchanged between team members, extending previous research on intercultural communication and relationally-oriented content within global virtual teams.

Suggested Citation

  • Glikson, Ella & Erez, Miriam, 2020. "The emergence of a communication climate in global virtual teams," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 55(6).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:worbus:v:55:y:2020:i:6:s1090951617308787
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jwb.2019.101001
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    4. Jing Jiao & Dejin Xu & Xiuqing Zhao, 2020. "The Development and Validation of an Intercultural Business Communication Competence Scale: Evidence From Mainland China," SAGE Open, , vol. 10(4), pages 21582440209, November.
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    7. Szkudlarek, Betina & Osland, Joyce S. & Nardon, Luciara & Zander, Lena, 2020. "Communication and culture in international business – Moving the field forward," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 55(6).

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