Group Efficacy in Asynchronous vs. Multi-synchronous Virtual Teams: An Empirical Study

Group efficacy has begun to receive more attention in HCI. The paper describes a mixed-design experiment aimed to explore the effect of time on group efficacy development in two computer-mediated virtual conditions: asynchronous vs. multi-synchronous teams. The relationships of group efficacy measures at different times and tool evaluation, team satisfaction and performance are also explored. Forty university students who participate in the study are administered questionnaires over the course of the assigned ten-day task. Results show group efficacy changes as a function of time in the asynchronous environment. In addition, the positive relations between group efficacy and tool evaluation and adoption and team satisfaction were demonstrated for asynchronous groups. The findings indicate group efficacy is dynamic with team development and useful in signaling how technology and collaboration modes impact user experience and interaction in the asynchronous environment.