Computer-mediated communication and group cohesion

Author

Kirsten M. Barbosa, Seton Hall University

Periodical Title

Modern Psychological Studies

Volume

12

Number

1

Page Numbers

pages 39-47

Department

Dept. of Psychology

Publisher

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

Place of Publication

Chattanooga (Tenn.)

Date

2006

Abstract

Utilizing the recent gains in technology, many work teams now communicate through computer-mediated communication (e.g., instant-messaging). As the research in this area continues to grow, one variable that has not been considered is group cohesion in "virtual" environments. To address this issue, four-member groups (N=144) completed tasks by communicating through an instant-messaging system or by meeting face-to-face. The study allowed for assessment of cohesiveness as well as group performance on a judgment task. Contrary to hypotheses, differences in group cohesion were not identified between the communication conditions. However, groups communicating through instant messaging took longer to complete the tasks and demonstrated less ease with and likeability for the tasks. This study has implications for the many groups that work together electronically across all industries and organizations (i.e. online education, international work teams).

Subject

Psychology

Discipline

Psychology

Document Type

article

DCMI Type

Text

Extent

9 leaves

Language

English

Call Number

BF1 .M63 v. 12 no. 1 2006

Rights

http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

Recommended Citation

Barbosa, Kirsten M. (2006) "Computer-mediated communication and group cohesion," Modern Psychological Studies: Vol. 12: No. 1, Article 6.
Available at: https://scholar.utc.edu/mps/vol12/iss1/6