Dissertation, Otto-Friedrich-Universität Bamberg, 2017

Effective information processing is the pillar of adaptive teams for developing cognitive processes. Research has shown team reflexivity to advance team regulatory processes and performance . However, research has predominantly relied on static measures to examine the nature of the unfolding processes, the relationships and interplay with regulatory processes, cognitive emergence and team performance. As part of this work, a classification system of behavior indicators as an objective communication-based method was developed to assess the dynamics and complexity of the unfolding processes. The theoretical background and requirements of the measurement instrument constituting the classifiers of the classification system was based on intensive literature review, training and testing of the coding analysis procedure. The data supporting this dissertation is the product of the virtual teams’ participation during objective communication exercises.
Drawing on the interaction team cognition theory and reflexivity, a theoretical model of all involved constructs was created to reflect upon the complexity of virtual team situations. It was proposed and found, by assessing the pre-defined cognitive behavior and reflexivity communication classifiers, that receiving team reflexivity expedited the externalization of reflexivity and cognitive behaviors in communication. Further, the tested theoretical model results showed that cognitive behaviors of situation awareness and transactive memory have a direct effect on performance, and, that transactive memory mediated the relationship between reflexivity and performance. Finally, these virtual teams stayed initially longer on reflexivity transition phase for strategy development and exhibited different volumes of cognitive behaviors across time. The result was higher team performance.