The Richer, The Better? Effects of Modality on Intercultural Virtual Collaboration

Authors

  • Qian Xu Elon University
  • Deanna Behring Penn State University

Keywords:

modality, multimodality, intercultural virtual collaboration, social identity

Abstract

We conducted two experiments to learn how different communication modalities and modality combinations affected intercultural virtual collaboration. Study 1, a within-subjects experiment, compares the effects of text chat and audio chat on perceived communication difficulties, perceived language difference, task satisfaction, and performance. Study 2, a within-subjects experiment, explores the effects of modality combinations of text and audio chats with and without pictures and the linguistic accommodation strategies adopted by intercultural dyad members. The major findings are that (a) audio led to better collaboration outcomes than text when there was only one communication modality, (b) multimodality did not lead to better collaboration outcomes than single modality, and (c) visual cues boosted the influence of text chat but impeded the effect of audio chat.

Author Biographies

Qian Xu, Elon University

Qian Xu is an assistant professor in the School of Communications at Elon University. She received her Ph.D. from the College of Communications at the Pennsylvania State University. Her research interests include the social and psychological effects of media technology, especially as they pertain to perception, information seeking, and cognition. Here is her contact information:Qian XuAssistant ProfessorSchool of Communications2850 Campus BoxElon UniversitElon, NC 27244email: qxu@elon.eduWork: (336) 278-6454

Deanna Behring, Penn State University

Deanna Behring is responsible for leading and coordinating the College of Agriculture Sciences' growing portfolio of international research and educational programs. She joined the college in 2000 after more than a decade of experience in Washington, D.C., including an appointment to the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy under the Clinton administration as the assistant director for international affairs. She has also worked for the Central Intelligence Agency and the Department of Commerce, as well as on projects for the U.S. Trade Representative and the U.S. Agency for International Development. Ms. Behring received her masters degree in international economic development from Ohio University, her bachelor of arts in economics from Albion College in Michigan, and speaks Chinese and French. She is currently working on her PhD dissertation on communication in global virtual teams.Here is her contact informaiton:Deanna BehringDirector of International ProgramsDeanna Behring106 Ag Admin BldgUniversity Park, PA 16802Email: dmb37@psu.eduWork Phone: 814-863-0249

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Published

2014-09-29

Issue

Vol. 8 (2014)

Section

Articles

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