At The Heart of Digital Collaboration: Navigating Interpersonal Affective Pathways in Digitalized Work Environments

Abstract

This dissertation delves into the intricate and pluralistic nature of interpersonal affective processes in online collaborative environments. Recognizing affect as a psychophysiological phenomenon that transcends purely cognitive or physiological experiences, this work explores the dynamic interplay between internal mental or biological changes and external social or physical factors. Central to this exploration is the concept that these affective processes, crucial in structuring online collaboration, can only be fully comprehended only through a holistic approach. Accordingly, this research comprises four interrelated studies, each contributing uniquely to the overarching aim: to elucidate how digital media technologies shape affective experiences in digitalized collaborative work settings. The first study introduces Mood Synchronicity Theory, focusing on how media-enabled affective processes influence team problem-solving dynamics. The second study, a theory-generative research synthesis, proposes a model of affective alignment in online collaboration and expands on Media Affectivity theory, exploring the role of digital collaboration tools in mediating affective information exchange. In the third study, a laboratory experiment quantifies different trajectories proposed by mood synchronicity and media affectivity theories, particularly examining affective alignment's moderating role between team colocation and creative outcomes. The final study, focusing on neurodivergent workers, particularly those with autism, investigates how variations in brain functioning can alter typical experiences of digitalized collaborative environments. Findings suggest that technology bridges internal affective, cognitive, and physiological changes to external ones, opening up the social dimension of collaboration. Collectively, these studies offer a path-centric framework for understanding the complex interrelations between digital media, affective processes, problem-solving, creative outcomes, and neurodiverse experiences in digitalized workplaces. This dissertation not only sheds light on the transformative potential of digital tools in organizational practices but also paves the way for future research in the field.