A Framework for Workgroup Collaboration in a Vir tual Environment: Theoretical Synthesis and Empir ical Exploration

The effects of computer-mediated communication (CMC) have been investigated within two primary research streams: task-oriented and relationship-oriented perspectives. Due to the different perspectives, as we identified, a theoretical gap exists in the CMC domain. The purpose of this paper is to combine the two different perspectives into a single unified model, thereby providing a more realistic and comprehensive understanding. The proposed model predicts both task performance and relational development in a virtual workspace. The model is tested using data gathered through a self administered mail survey of 127 individuals of 69 virtual workgroups. The proposed model was supported, providing preliminary evidence that the two perspectives should be integrated. The results show that the individual´s psychological processes (social presence and cognitive effort) in a virtual environment significantly mediated the effect of CMC inputs (media richness, user adaptation, and shared context) on the CMC outputs (task performance and relational development)