Don’t Even Think: Virtual Team Process for Flexible Decision Making

Abstract

A theory-driven task process intervention was proposed to improve decision-making in virtual teams. Twenty-six teams performed an online decision task using chat communication and a shared document. Experimental teams used a structured decision process including coordination, monitoring and back up behaviors, while control teams used ad hoc processes. Experimental teams made stronger, more accurate decision than control teams. The intervention shows promise for reducing bias that obstructs online decision making. The research provides understanding and importance of process design and training to improve outcomes for virtual teams where communication cues are limited and members may have limited online collaboration experience.