Title: The Joint Effect of Virtual Inter‑team and Intra‑team Collaboration on Team Outcomes: Do Social and Task Cohesion Matter?

JCR: Q1

DOI: 10.1177/21582440261482060

See the link for the full text：https://doi.org/10.1177/21582440261482060

Abstract

Inter‑ and intra‑team collaboration has become vital for competitive advantage in virtual environments. However, while most research has focused on inter‑team collaboration, the equally significant role of intra‑team collaboration remains underexplored. Building on social exchange theory, this study examines the impact of inter‑ and intra‑team collaboration on team creativity and effectiveness, and the mediating roles of task and social cohesion. Using cross‑sectional data from 574 participants in Ghana’s information and communication technology industry, we analyzed these relationships using structural equation modeling. The results show that intra‑ and inter‑team collaboration positively influences team creativity and effectiveness. Furthermore, task cohesion mediated the effects of both types of collaboration on outcomes, whereas social cohesion mediated only the relationship between inter‑team collaboration and team creativity. The findings support the assumption that team creativity and effectiveness are positive outcomes for teams. These outcomes are shaped directly by inter‑ and intra‑team collaboration and indirectly through task and social cohesion, which operate as relational exchange pathways that translate collaboration into positive team outcomes.

Keywords

inter‑team collaboration, intra‑team collaboration, task cohesion, social cohesion, team creativity, team effectiveness

This paper was completed by Lois Tweneboa Kodua under the guidance of Professor Zhao Shurong. It has been included in the Journal SAGE Open (https://doi.org/10.1177/21582440261482060). This study was supported by the Sichuan Social Science Planned Key Research Project (SCJJ23ND61), the 2022 Central University Fundamental Research Program for Humanities and Social Science Cultivation Key Project (No. ZYGX2022FRJH004).

Edited by Xu Qianwen