Virtual Teams and Creative Performance

Abstract

We developed and tested a model of the effects of demographic differences (i.e., differences in race, sex, age, and nationality) on creativity in dyads having short-term virtual work interactions. Specifically we examined how demographic differences interacted with dyad processes (establishment of rapport, participation equality, and process conflict) and a key input factor (difference in technical experience), to affect the creativity of dyads working virtually. Differences in nationality had a strong negative direct effect, and interacted with differences in technical experience to affect creativity. Differences in age interacted with dyad processes and differences in technical experience to affect creativity. Differences in sex and race did not significantly affect creativity. Implications are discussed for managing creative virtual work.