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Media choice in multilingual virtual teams

Author

Listed:
  • Helene Tenzer

    (Department of International Business, Tübingen University, Tübingen, Germany)

  • Markus Pudelko

    (Department of International Business, Tübingen University, Tübingen, Germany)

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of language barriers on multilingual virtual teams members’ choice between different communication media in their inner-team interactions. Through interviewing team leaders and members in both mono- and multilingual virtual teams, we discover discrepancies in media choice and media performance between these two settings and identify foreign language-induced cognitive load as a key reason for these divergences. Our study advances research on communication and knowledge exchange in multilingual virtual collaboration by showing how language barriers alter the process of converging different viewpoints through team interaction, by suggesting language-related modifications to the seminal media synchronicity theory, and by demonstrating the benefits of new media in multilingual settings. It also broadens the disciplinary scope of language research in international business by introducing theories from communication studies and cognitive research. In practical terms, it highlights the benefits of redundant communication, the need for an adequate media infrastructure in multinational corporations and the importance of motivating team members to use new media.

Suggested Citation

  • Helene Tenzer & Markus Pudelko, 2016. "Media choice in multilingual virtual teams," Journal of International Business Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Academy of International Business, vol. 47(4), pages 427-452, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:jintbs:v:47:y:2016:i:4:p:427-452
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Glikson, Ella & Erez, Miriam, 2020. "The emergence of a communication climate in global virtual teams," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 55(6).
    2. Suzuki, Manami & Ando, Naoki & Nishikawa, Hidehiko, 2023. "Discontinuity of required oral and literacy skills across job roles in achieving high work performance: An fsQCA approach," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 32(4).
    3. Vesa Peltokorpi & Markus Pudelko, 2021. "When more is not better: A curvilinear relationship between foreign language proficiency and social categorization," Journal of International Business Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Academy of International Business, vol. 52(1), pages 78-104, February.
    4. Tenzer, Helene & Terjesen, Siri & Harzing, Anne-Wil, 2017. "Language in international business : A review and agenda for future research," Other publications TiSEM 8afd108a-9666-4fbb-934f-6, Tilburg University, School of Economics and Management.
    5. Tenzer, Helene & Pudelko, Markus, 2017. "The influence of language differences on power dynamics in multinational teams," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 52(1), pages 45-61.
    6. B. Sebastian Reiche & Allan Bird & Mark E. Mendenhall & Joyce S. Osland, 2017. "Contextualizing leadership: a typology of global leadership roles," Journal of International Business Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Academy of International Business, vol. 48(5), pages 552-572, July.
    7. Helene Tenzer & Siri Terjesen & Anne-Wil Harzing, 2017. "Language in International Business: A Review and Agenda for Future Research," Management International Review, Springer, vol. 57(6), pages 815-854, December.
    8. Loderer, Anja & Muehlfeld, Katrin & Wilken, Robert & Moritz, Alexandra & Slomski, Véronique, 2024. "The language barrier as a springboard towards (team) creativity: An exploratory study of foreign language use in teams," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 33(2).
    9. Dillon, Sarah M. & Glavas, Charmaine & Mathews, Shane, 2020. "Digitally immersive, international entrepreneurial experiences," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 29(6).

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