What did you say? A cross-cultural analysis of the distributive communicative behaviors of global virtual teams

Abstract

In this empirical study, the general research question is “How do cultural values impact the global virtual teams (GVTs) practices when they communicate and collaborate using computer mediated communication (CMC)?” In particular, we explore the phenomenon of Malaysian GVTs working with culturally diverse members at a distance. In order to obtain in-depth understanding of such phenomenon, we employed a qualitative research methodology. We conducted semi-structured interviews with twenty-two (22) managers (from middle to high level) working in government link corporations (GLCs) and multinational corporations (MNCs). We found that there were distinctive intercultural communicative behaviors, all rooted in their diverse cultural values, beliefs, and attitudes. We establish interesting insights and understanding of computer mediated communication behaviors pertaining to patterns of usage and decision making processes.