Media choice in multilingual virtual teams

Helene Tenzer and Markus Pudelko
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Helene Tenzer: Department of International Business, Tübingen University, Tübingen, Germany
Markus Pudelko: Department of International Business, Tübingen University, Tübingen, Germany

Journal of International Business Studies, 2016, vol. 47, issue 4, 427-452

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.

Date: 2016
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