A cross‐cultural study of group process and development in online conferences

Abstract

Employing survey and focus group data, this study examined if there are differences in perception of online group process and development between participants in Mexico and the United States of America (USA). Survey data indicated significant differences in perception for the Norming and Performing stages of group development. The groups also differed in their perception of collectivism, low power distance, femininity, and high context communication. Country differences rather than age and gender differences, accounted for the differences observed. Focus group participants identified several factors that influence online group process and development: (1) language; (2) power distance; (3) gender differences; (4) collectivist vs. individualist tendencies; (5) conflict; (6) social presence; (7) time frame; and (8) technical skills.