Increasing global expansion in the environment of knowledge-based competition and globally dispersed business landscape, along with technological progress and a fundamental transformation of modern organizations from hierarchical, bureaucratic structures to more organic organizational designs created a conducive environment for the development of global virtual teams (GVTs). Recent academic research revealed that building trust relationships in a virtual context has a positive influence on the team’s performance and effectiveness.
Hence, based on the thorough analysis of 117 academic papers, this study conducts a systematic investigation and critical discussion of the academic literature on the topic of genesis, evolution, and maintenance of trust relationships in GVTs. To examine this intriguing topic and to satisfy the research gaps, this paper has two main objectives: firstly, to emphasize the importance of building trust relationships in GVTs and to analyze what factors influence the development and maintenance of interpersonal trust and communication quality in virtual context; and secondly, to summarize the achieved theoretical and practical implications and provide suggestions for the further research.
Table of Contents
1 Introduction
2 Literature review
2.1 Global Virtual Teams and Trust
2.1.1 Key conceptualizations of trust
2.1.2 Role of trust in global virtual teams
2.2 Genesis of Trust in Global Virtual Teams
2.2.1 Sources and antecedents of trust
2.2.2 Phenomenon of swift trust
2.3 Evolution of Trust in Global Virtual Teams
2.3.1 Calculus-based trust
2.3.2 Knowledge-based trust
2.3.3 Identification-based trust
2.3.4 Barriers affecting trust formation
2.4 Maintenance of Trust in Global Virtual Teams
3 Implications of the findings and research directions
3.1 Theoretical implications
3.2 Managerial implications
3.3 Limitations and further research directions
4 Conclusion
Research Objectives and Key Topics
This study aims to perform a systematic investigation of the academic literature regarding the genesis, evolution, and maintenance of trust within Global Virtual Teams (GVTs). The central research question focuses on how trust relationships can be effectively developed between geographically dispersed members, while considering the impact of virtual communication, cultural diversity, and temporary team structures, and how to maintain this trust over time to improve performance.
- Fundamentals of trust conceptualization in virtual contexts
- The genesis of swift trust and antecedents of interpersonal trust
- Evolutionary stages of trust (calculus-, knowledge-, and identification-based)
- Common barriers to trust formation, including cultural, technological, and psychological factors
- Strategic methods for maintaining trust and fostering psychological safety
Excerpt from the Book
2.2.2 Phenomenon of swift trust
Plenty of studies on developing of trust relationships in GVTs draw on the phenomenon of swift trust, also known as fast trust (Blomqvist, 1997), to conceptualize the trust formation in terms of a geographically dispersed virtual teamwork. Robert et al. (2009) argue that swift trust as high level of initial trust was initially introduced to interpret the idiosyncratic trusting behavior of the members of newly formed temporary teams, though, this alleged form of trust has also been observed among the members of VTs.
In this paper swift trust is defined as a specific form of trust emerging in temporary teams, especially in the circumstances of time pressure and necessity of the swift achieving of project goals and is characterized by willingness of the members of rapidly formed temporary teams to rely on each other in order to perform the formal and informal roles (Meyerson et al., 1996; Mishra, 1996; Zolin et al., 2004). Blomqvist (2005) supplements the concept of Meyerson et al. (1996) of role-based trust and supposes that swift trust can also comprise distinguishing characteristics of affect and personalization.
What are the sources of trust? Germain (2011) founds that the formation of swift trust may include the following three types of categorization: stereotyping, unit grouping and reputation categorization.
Due to the geographical dispersity of GVT's members, they may not have the opportunity to acquire the sufficient and adequate information about the other team members and therefore, they could fail to access the other person’s trustworthiness (Germain, 2011). Hence, the researcher maintains that the members of the GVTs have to develop trust in context which is conversant and familiar for them, using the stereotypical impressions of others. Similarly, Meyerson et al. (1996) note that swift trust can be ‘swiftly’ imported from the person’s previous experiences. According to Robert et al. (2009), swift trust is caused by ‘similarities in the current situation/trustee with that of the past’. Hence, the scholars state that swift trust may be considered as a constituent of cognition-based trust.
Summary of Chapters
1 Introduction: Introduces the growth of Global Virtual Teams (GVTs) and highlights the critical challenge of forming and maintaining interpersonal trust in a virtual, geographically dispersed business environment.
2 Literature review: Provides a comprehensive academic analysis of trust conceptualizations, the evolution of trust through distinct stages, and the various sociological and technological barriers affecting trust formation.
3 Implications of the findings and research directions: Synthesizes theoretical contributions regarding trust antecedents and provides practical managerial guidance for fostering team cohesion and long-term trust maintenance.
4 Conclusion: Summarizes the necessity of adapting management approaches for future generations of workers and reaffirms the importance of trust as a foundation for high-performing virtual teams.
Keywords
Global Virtual Teams, GVT, Interpersonal Trust, Swift Trust, Calculus-based trust, Knowledge-based trust, Identification-based trust, Trust formation, Team performance, Virtual collaboration, Electronic means of communication, Cultural barriers, Psychological safety, Team cohesion, Management strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this publication?
The work primarily explores the genesis, evolution, and maintenance of trust relationships within Global Virtual Teams (GVTs) through an extensive review of existing academic literature.
What are the primary thematic areas covered?
Key themes include the conceptualization of trust, models of trust development (swift, calculus, knowledge, and identification-based), common barriers such as cultural and technical challenges, and methods for trust maintenance.
What is the overarching research goal?
The goal is to understand how trust is developed and sustained among geographically dispersed team members and to identify practical strategies for improving GVT effectiveness through enhanced trust.
Which scientific methods were employed?
This work is based on a systematic, critical review and synthesis of 117 academic papers and studies focusing on virtual team dynamics and trust.
What does the main body discuss?
The main body examines the specific components of trust, the stages of trust evolution, the various barriers encountered by virtual teams, and actionable managerial strategies for building a unified, high-performing team culture.
Which keywords best describe the paper?
The paper is characterized by terms such as Global Virtual Teams, Swift Trust, team cohesion, virtual collaboration, and trust maintenance.
What is the role of 'Swift Trust' in this research?
Swift trust is discussed as a unique, rapid form of trust emerging in temporary virtual groups under time pressure, serving as a pillar for initial team interaction before more stable forms of trust evolve.
How does cultural diversity affect trust in the view of the author?
Cultural diversity is identified as a significant barrier. Different communication styles, such as direct vs. indirect approaches, can lead to misunderstandings, which the research highlights as a major challenge for team leaders.
Why is 'psychological safety' significant for GVTs?
Psychological safety is presented as a crucial component of maintenance; it encourages team members to share information and admit mistakes, which prevents degradation of trust in a virtual context.
- Quote paper
- Yulia Ritter (Author), 2018, Trust Relationships in Global Virtual Teams, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1280742
