Information Sharing in Distributed Teams

Abstract

Better understanding of information sharing in complex, distributed environments is critical for enhancing distributed team operations. This paper examines information sharing among distributed team members in an applied Army setting, with focus placed on precursors to information sharing, the importance of perceived interdependence and trustworthiness of distributed teammates for information sharing, and the effect of information sharing in these complex environments on team states and processes such as the building of trust and team cohesion. Importance is placed on better understanding the processes affecting information sharing in a distributed environment, influencing both research and practice involving distributed team collaboration.