Cultural Distance, Communication, and Knowledge Sharing in Global Virtual Teams

This article expands on the global virtual team literature and the knowledge sharing literature by developing a conceptual model of the relationships among cultural distance, cultural intelligence, communication frequency, and communication quality on effective knowledge sharing within global virtual teams. It is posited that cultural distance will have a negative impact on communication frequency. Communication frequency will have a positive influence on communication quality and this relationship will be moderated by media channel richness and cultural intelligence. Furthermore, the higher levels of communication quality will increase knowledge sharing within teams. Propositions are developed drawing on the literature in communications, virtual teams, and knowledge sharing. Organizations can use the information presented here to structure global virtual teams for effective knowledge sharing and consider utilizing training programs to more effectively share knowledge.