Investigating the effects of electronic self -portrayal on trust and performance in virtual teams

This research addresses the concept of electronic self-portrayal (ESP) in synchronous computer mediated communication of ad hoc virtual teams. Electronic self-portrayal is defined as the extent to which a communication system can portray the true identity of its users. A theoretical model is developed based upon which it is hypothesized that increased information available due to electronic self-portrayal will have an effect upon the trust and performance of ad hoc virtual teams. An experiment is conducted to isolate the effects of electronic self-portrayal by manipulating the graphical identification of users of a system as well as the rehearsability of the system. Rehearsability is the extent to which users are able to reread and edit their messages before submitting them to the system. The combination of both manipulations---identification and rehearsability---is found to impact trust, with partial electronic self-portrayal having a positive impact on trust. Partial electronic self-portrayal is defined as a mode of electronic self-portrayal that includes at least one form of true representation and at least one of non-disclosure. Performance reacts positively to high levels of rehearsability, and other factors are also found to impact trust and performance in ad hoc synchronous virtual teams. This research provides theoretical and practical contributions for understanding the importance of electronic self-portrayal and rehearsability in synchronous group communication.