The Role of Informal Communication Within Multinational Interior Design Teams During Virtual Collaboration

Abstract

Nowadays, virtual teamwork has become a worldwide trend and Multinational Teams (MNT) remain an essential part of corporations. The cultural difference as the nature of MNTs causes misunderstandings. This research explores the influence of informal communication on team collaboration in MNTs during the early idea-generation phase of interior design projects in a virtual environment. An exploratory research methodology evolved from a combination of research methods. Qualitative data was collected from survey questionnaires and observations of two virtual ideageneration workshops with five participants in each group. According to the analysis, mandatory break time with participatory activities revolving around cultural differences increased informal communication amongst the team, and in turn improved participation and the exchange of ideas during continued collaboration. Informal communication has a positive influence on collaboration of MNTs. The conceptual framework was developed to illustrate its role by connecting the "creation of deeper relations" to "more of collaboration" in MNTs.