The influence of trust and knowledge sharing on the relationship between diversity and virtual team effectiveness: an empirical study using PLS-SEM and necessary condition analysis

The purpose of this research was to analyse the influence of trust and knowledge sharing on the relationship between diversity and team effectiveness. A sample of 116 respondents was gathered through an online survey inquiring about their latest experience with a virtual team. The methods employed were Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) and Necessary Condition Analysis (NCA). It was found that diversity has a significant negative effect on trust and knowledge sharing and that the construct of trust has a significant positive effect on performance and satisfaction. Knowledge sharing has a significant positive effect on satisfaction. Moreover, trust and knowledge sharing were identified as necessary conditions for achieving performance and satisfaction in virtual teams. Trust and knowledge sharing are crucial from the beginning, especially in more diverse teams. Cooperation and joint problem solving as well as high-quality information sharing systems and routines may help to increase team effectiveness.