The hierarchical linear modeling of shared mental model on virtual team effectiveness

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to find the new analysis method of virtual team effectiveness in team building, as well as various HR tools. Design/methodology/approach This paper investigated 62 virtual teams, distinguished between identified mental models and distributed mental models, tested the relation among team characteristics, and shared mental models and virtual team effectiveness using hierarchical linear modeling. Findings Results demonstrated that time would enhance the effect of shared mental models on task effectiveness; virtual team size would affect the relation between shared mental model and cooperative effectiveness, team size could enhance the effect of identified mental model on cooperative effectiveness, but weaken the relation between distributed mental model and cooperative effectiveness. A need is found for application of hierarchical linear modeling of shared mental model on virtual team effectiveness. Research limitations/implications Accessibility and availability of data are the main limitations which apply. Originality/value This paper presents a new approach of optimal choice of virtual team building. The paper is aimed at HR and psychological researches and managers, especially those who dealt with people, and provides very useful advice for team management in enterprises.