Effectiveness measures for distributed teams using electronic meeting technology: the Larson/LaFasto instrument

Electronic communication channels provide the infrastructure to support distributed business teams. The authors present a new model on the effectiveness of teams using electronic communication. Based both on prior GDSS research and on a strong referent discipline, small group communication, model constructs stem largely from the research program and research instrument developed by C. Larson and F. LaFasto (1989). Larson and LaFasto developed a theory-based instrument to assess team effectiveness. The model supported by an extended literature review, contains the eight team-effectiveness dimensions. The dimensions include: clear and elevating goal, results-driven structure, competent team members, collaborative climate, unified commitment, standards of excellence, external support and recognition and principled leadership. Also reported is a summary of a quantitative study comparing team effectiveness of distributed teams using electronic communication to one-site teams