Gender equality in virtual teams : comparison of gender equality in virtual teams and physical teams with regards to behavior- and performance-related factors

Even though virtual teams have recently gained more and more importance, there is still little research on how gender equality in virtual teams compares to physical teams. It is well-known, that important factors and challenges in virtual teams are different from those in physical teams. This research aims to examine behavior- and performance-related gender differences when comparing virtual teams to physical teams. In this context a virtual team is defined as a real-time online meeting, in which not all participants are necessarily in the same location. To test the hypotheses that both behavior-related and performance-related gender equality is different in virtual teams compared to physical teams, in a first step and online survey was distributed to students and professionals, in which participants were asked to rate different factors related to behavior and performance in virtual meeting situations. In a second step, semi-structured interviews with professionals were conducted in order to validate and give background to the results. The results supported both hypotheses and found a difference in behavior- and performance related gender equality in virtual teams compared to physical teams. The results suggest that there are gender differences in the factors most important in virtual teams, in how the own physical appearance affects participation in virtual teams, in communication styles as well as in the importance of trust and psychological safety versus task-orientedness. Based on those results, these factors need to be considered when leading a virtual team, in order to ensure equal opportunity for both genders. Keywords: Virtual teams, gender equality, communication, behavior, performance

Author dc:creator

• Kevin Matthias Henry 1995-

Contributors dc:contributor

• Háskólinn í Reykjavík

• Mannauðsstjórnun og vinnusálfræði
• Kynjamunur
• Sýndarveruleiki
• Hópvinna
• Meistaraprófsritgerðir
• Human resource management and organizational psychology
• Gender equality
• Virtual reality
• Teams in the workplace

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/1946/39945

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:skemman.is:1946/39945