Interpretive structural model of trust factors in construction virtual project teams

Abstract

Purpose Organisational dependence on virtual project teams (VPTs) is growing dramatically due to the substantial benefits they offer, such as efficiently achieving objectives and improving organisational performance. One of the major issues that influence the effectiveness of VPTs is trust building. This study aims to determine the key factors of trust in VPTs and design a model by identifying the interrelationships among the trust factors. Design/methodology/approach Focus group discussion was used to gather data on factors affecting trust in VPTs and their interrelationships. Interpretive structural modelling (ISM) was used to establish the relationship among the factors. Cross-impact matrix multiplication applied to classification analysis was conducted to identify the driving power and the dependence power towards effective VPTs in the construction sector. Findings The finding revealed that “characteristics of team members” (such as ability, integrity, benevolence, competence, reliability and professionalism) is the most significant factor for building trust in virtual team members. Some factors were further identified as having high driving power, while others were defined as having high dependence variables. Practical implications The findings will assist construction managers and practitioners dealing with VPTs identify the factors influencing trust among team members. Taking cognisance of the factors that influence trust will enable them to design more effective virtual team arrangements. Originality/value As the first research of its kind using ISM technique, the study offers insights into interrelationships between trust factors in the construction VPTs. It provides guides for construction managers on the effective management of trustworthy VPTs.

Challenges, Barriers, and Obstacles Facing Virtual Teams: a Conceptual Study

“…In the assessment of the literature on virtual teams, one of the most often explored aspects is challenging of building trust among virtual team members. Despite the numerous advantages of virtual teams, Sagar et al (2022) claim that one of the biggest challenges that increases the likelihood of the virtual team failing is the lack of trust among team members. Virtual project teams have a number of challenges, including retaining team member trust ( Arif et al, 2022a).…”

Modeling the factors determining a virtual team’s decision-making

“…Since Middle Eastern cultures and work ethics are different from those in other countries, research conducted in other countries might not apply to the Middle East. VT decision-making is a new concept in the Middle East, and many researchers (Al Kaabi et al, 2022;Sagar, Arif & Rana, 2021) are looking into them, especially in light of the Covid-19 pandemic. The United Arab Emirates has maritime borders with Qatar and Iran in the Persian Gulf and shares borders with Oman and Saudi Arabia on the eastern end of the Arabian Peninsula.…”

“…Specialized scientific answers are still needed to enhance VT decision-making. Considering that the Middle East is a multicultural region, it is crucial to understand the phenomenon of cross-cultural VTs (Sagar et al, 2021). The Middle East lacks many quantitative studies on VT decisions in IT organizations, even though VT decision-making has been examined in many studies.…”

“…Natūralu, kad dėl skirtingos kultūros ir darbo etikos kitose šalyse atlikti tyrimai gali netikti Artimiesiems Rytams. Tai paskatino imtis mokslinių tyrimų, orientuotų į Artimųjų Rytų VK sprendimų priėmimą IT įmonėse (Diab-Bahman & Al-Enzi, 2020;Al Kaabi, Sidek & Mosali, 2022;Mitchell, 2021;Sagar, Arif & Rana, 2021), kurie aiškiai rodo žinių, tyrimų ir duomenų šia tema trūkumą. Konkrečiai Jungtiniai Arabų Emyratai (JAE), esantys Artimųjų Rytų regione, bus šio tyrimo vieta, siekiant mokslinių žinių apie šio regiono specifiką.…”

“…Naturally, due to different cultures and work ethics, studies conducted in other nations may not be appropriate for the Middle East. This prompted a research endeavor focused on Middle Eastern VT decision-making in IT businesses (Diab-Bahman & Al-Enzi, 2020;Al Kaabi, Sidek & Mosali, 2022;Mitchell, 2021;Sagar, Arif & Rana, 2021), which clearly shows a lack of knowledge, research, and data on the topic. Specifically, the United Arab Emirates, as part of the Middle East region, was selected for this study to gain scientific insight into the specificities of this region.…”