COVID-induced Virtual Teams : a Phenomenon-based Framework and Methodological Advice for Studying Novel Events

• Autorzy: Jasmin Mahadevan , Tobias Reichert , Jakob Steinmann , Annabelle Stärkle , Sven Metzler , Lisa Bacher , Raphael Diehm , Frederik Goroll
• Języki publikacji: EN

Abstrakty

EN

Purpose - We conceptualized the novel phenomenon of COVID-induced virtual teams and its implications and provided researchers with the required information on how to conduct a phenomenon-based study for conceptualizing novel phenomena in relevant ways. Design/methodology/approach - This article stems from phenomenon-based and, thus, theory-building and grounded qualitative research in the German industrial sector. We conducted 47 problem-centered interviews in two phases (February-July 2021 and February-July 2022) to understand how team members and team leaders experienced COVID-induced virtual teamwork and its subsequent developments. Findings - Empirically, we found COVID-induced virtual teams to be characterized by a high relevance of shaping positive team dynamics via steering internal moderators; crisis is a novel external moderator and transformation becomes the key output factor to be leveraged. Work-from-home leads to specific configuration needs and interrelations between work-from-home and on-site introduce additional dynamics. Methodologically, the phenomenon-based approach is found to be highly suitable for studying the effects of such novel phenomena. Research limitations/implications - This article is explorative. Thus, we advocate further research on related novel phenomena, such as post-COVID-hybrid and work-from-home teams. A model of how to encourage positive dynamics in post-COVID-hybrid teams is developed and lays the groundwork for further studies on post-COVID teamwork. Concerning methodology, researchers are provided with information on how to conduct phenomenon-based research on novel phenomena, such as the COVID-induced virtual teams that we studied. Practical implications - Companies receive advice on how to encourage positive dynamics in post-COVID teamwork, e.g. on identifying best practices and resilient individuals. Social implications - In a country such as Germany that faces labor shortages, our insights might facilitate better labor-market integration for those with care-work obligations and international workers. Originality/value - We offer a first conceptualization of a relevant novel phenomenon, namely COVID-induced virtual teams. We exemplify the phenomenon-based approach as a suitable methodology that serves to build relevant theory using active categorization. (original abstract)

Słowa kluczowe

PL

Pandemia; COVID-19; Zespół wirtualny; Praca zdalna; Wyniki badań

EN

Pandemic; COVID-19; Virtual team; Remote work; Research results

• Czasopismo: Central European Management Journal
• Rocznik: 2024
• Tom: 32
• Numer: nr 2
• Strony: 262-283

Twórcy

autor

Jasmin Mahadevan

• Hochschule Pforzheim, Germany

autor

Tobias Reichert

• Hochschule Pforzheim, Germany

autor

Jakob Steinmann

• Hochschule Pforzheim, Germany; University of Southern Denmark, Sønderborg, Denmark

autor

Annabelle Stärkle

• Hochschule Pforzheim, Germany; Copenhagen Business School, Denmark

autor

Sven Metzler

• Hochschule Pforzheim, Germany; University of Gothenburg, Sweden

autor

Lisa Bacher

• Hochschule Pforzheim, Germany; HTW Berlin University of Applied Sciences, Germany

autor

Raphael Diehm

• Hochschule Pforzheim, Germany; Linnaeus University, Vaxjo, Sweden

autor

Frederik Goroll

• Hochschule Pforzheim, Germany

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Identyfikatory

DOI

10.1108/CEMJ-12-2022-0244