One Word, Two Meanings: The Lived Experiences of “Teamwork” in Virtual and Face-to-Face Student Teams

• In Event: College Classroom Structures and Student Engagement and Outcomes

Abstract

Using phenomenological methods, we explored respects in which Iranian business students' lived experiences of face-to-face and virtual teamwork were similar and different. The experinences of eight students attending face-to-face programs and ten students attending online programs were examined through in-depth interviews. Four themes emerged as common among participants: treating one as the leader of the team; making an equal commitment; sharing ideas and responsibilities; and the value of working with “known quantities” as team members. Other themes distinguished the two groups. Virtual teammates’ experiences were typified by concerns with staying connected, focusing on assigned tasks, and managing communications in which they felt their teammates were “masked” by text-based media. Face-to-face teammates’ experiences revolved around exercising togetherness and working in harmony.

Authors

• Marzieh Saghafian, York University

• Kevin O'Neill, Simon Fraser University