IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/eee/intman/v26y2020i2s1075425319300833.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Foreign language skill, anxiety, cultural intelligence and individual task performance in global virtual teams: A cognitive perspective

Author

Listed:
  • Presbitero, Alfred

Abstract

Global virtual teams (GVTs) operate in a globally dispersed work environment, principally relying on communication and information technologies to achieve work tasks. In this work context, using language effectively is crucial. We utilize the cognitive perspective to explain how foreign language use in a GVT influences individual task performance. This study employs (a) cognitive neuroscience of foreign language processing perspective to explain the relationship between foreign language skills and individual task performance; (b) the theory of cognitive load to explain foreign language anxiety as a pathway that further explains how low-level foreign language skill negatively influences individual task performance; and (c) the theory of intelligence to examine the conditional role of cultural intelligence in the mediation process. Utilizing 294 data pairs (collected from GVT members and their respective supervisors) in a multinational offshoring firm, we found support for the mediation process and the conditional influence of the dimensions of cultural intelligence in reducing the negative effect of foreign language anxiety on individual task performance in GVT.

Suggested Citation

  • Presbitero, Alfred, 2020. "Foreign language skill, anxiety, cultural intelligence and individual task performance in global virtual teams: A cognitive perspective," Journal of International Management, Elsevier, vol. 26(2).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:intman:v:26:y:2020:i:2:s1075425319300833
    DOI: 10.1016/j.intman.2019.100729
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1075425319300833
    Download Restriction: Full text for ScienceDirect subscribers only
    File URL: https://libkey.io/10.1016/j.intman.2019.100729?utm_source=ideas
    LibKey link: if access is restricted and if your library uses this service, LibKey will redirect you to where you can use your library subscription to access this item
    ---><---

    As the access to this document is restricted, you may want to search for a different version of it.

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Taras, Vas & Baack, Daniel & Caprar, Dan & Dow, Douglas & Froese, Fabian & Jimenez, Alfredo & Magnusson, Peter, 2019. "Diverse effects of diversity: Disaggregating effects of diversity in global virtual teams," Journal of International Management, Elsevier, vol. 25(4).
    2. Rockstuhl, Thomas & Van Dyne, Linn, 2018. "A bi-factor theory of the four-factor model of cultural intelligence: Meta-analysis and theoretical extensions," Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, Elsevier, vol. 148(C), pages 124-144.
    3. David C Thomas & Yuan Liao & Zeynep Aycan & Jean-Luc Cerdin & Andre A Pekerti & Elizabeth C Ravlin & Günter K Stahl & Mila B Lazarova & Henry Fock & Denni Arli & Miriam Moeller & Tyler G Okimoto & Fon, 2015. "Cultural intelligence: A theory-based, short form measure," Journal of International Business Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Academy of International Business, vol. 46(9), pages 1099-1118, December.
    4. Mary M. Maloney & Mary E. Zellmer-Bruhn, 2006. "Building bridges, windows and cultures: Mediating mechanisms between team heterogeneity and performance in global teams," Management International Review, Springer, vol. 46(6), pages 697-720, December.
    5. Sirkka L. Jarvenpaa & Dorothy E. Leidner, 1999. "Communication and Trust in Global Virtual Teams," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 10(6), pages 791-815, December.
    6. Stefan Volk & Tine Köhler & Markus Pudelko, 2014. "Brain drain: The cognitive neuroscience of foreign language processing in multinational corporations," Journal of International Business Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Academy of International Business, vol. 45(7), pages 862-885, September.
    7. Nielsen, Bo Bernhard & Raswant, Arpit, 2018. "The selection, use, and reporting of control variables in international business research: A review and recommendations," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 53(6), pages 958-968.
    8. Zander, Lena & Mockaitis, Audra I. & Butler, Christina L., 2012. "Leading global teams," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 47(4), pages 592-603.
    9. Soon Ang & Linn Van Dyne & Christine Koh & K. Yee Ng & Klaus J. Templer & Cheryl Tay & N. Anand Chandrasekar, 2007. "Cultural Intelligence: Its Measurement and Effects on Cultural Judgment and Decision Making, Cultural Adaptation and Task Performance," Management and Organization Review, The International Association for Chinese Management Research, vol. 3(3), pages 335-371, November.
    10. Chua, Roy Y. J. & Ng, Kok Yee, 2017. "Not Just How Much You Know: Interactional Effect of Cultural Knowledge and Metacognition on Creativity in a Global Context," Management and Organization Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 13(2), pages 281-300, June.
    11. Jimenez, Alfredo & Boehe, Dirk M. & Taras, Vasyl & Caprar, Dan V., 2017. "Working Across Boundaries: Current and Future Perspectives on Global Virtual Teams," Journal of International Management, Elsevier, vol. 23(4), pages 341-349.
    12. Chua, Roy Y. J. & Ng, Kok Yee, 2017. "Not Just How Much You Know: Interactional Effect of Cultural Knowledge and Metacognition on Creativity in a Global Context—ADDENDUM," Management and Organization Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 13(2), pages 301-306, June.
    13. repec:ucp:bkecon:9780226316529 is not listed on IDEAS
    14. Barner-Rasmussen, Wilhelm & Aarnio, Christoffer, 2011. "Shifting the faultlines of language: A quantitative functional-level exploration of language use in MNC subsidiaries," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 46(3), pages 288-295, July.
    15. Klitmøller, Anders & Lauring, Jakob, 2013. "When global virtual teams share knowledge: Media richness, cultural difference and language commonality," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 48(3), pages 398-406.
    16. Sharma, Revti Raman, 2019. "Cultural Intelligence and Institutional Success: The Mediating Role of Relationship Quality," Journal of International Management, Elsevier, vol. 25(3), pages 1-1.
    17. Peltokorpi, Vesa, 2015. "Corporate Language Proficiency and Reverse Knowledge Transfer in Multinational Corporations: Interactive Effects of Communication Media Richness and Commitment to Headquarters," Journal of International Management, Elsevier, vol. 21(1), pages 49-62.
    18. Ang, Soon & Van Dyne, Linn & Koh, Christine & Ng, K. Yee & Templer, Klaus J. & Tay, Cheryl & Chandrasekar, N. Anand, 2007. "Cultural Intelligence: Its Measurement and Effects on Cultural Judgment and Decision Making, Cultural Adaptation and Task Performance," Management and Organization Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 3(3), pages 335-371, November.
    19. Gundula Lücke & Tatiana Kostova & Kendall Roth, 2014. "Multiculturalism from a cognitive perspective: Patterns and implications," Journal of International Business Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Academy of International Business, vol. 45(2), pages 169-190, February.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Citations

    Citations are extracted by the CitEc Project, subscribe to its RSS feed for this item.
    as


    Cited by:

    1. Vuchkovski, Davor & Zalaznik, Maja & Mitręga, Maciej & Pfajfar, Gregor, 2023. "A look at the future of work: The digital transformation of teams from conventional to virtual," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 163(C).
    2. Yayla, Serdar & Kutlubay, Omer Cem & Cicek, Mesut & Yeniyurt, Sengun, 2023. "Once upon a time in a foreign market: The role of cultural distance in the economic performance of multilateral non-equity partnerships," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 32(4).
    3. Michalski, Marina P. & Śliwa, Martyna, 2021. "‘If you use the right Arabic…’: Responses to special language standardization within the BBC Arabic Service’s linguascape," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 56(5).
    4. Zahoor, Nadia & Gabriel Pepple, Dennis & Choudrie, Jyoti, 2021. "Entrepreneurial competencies and alliance success: The role of external knowledge absorption and mutual trust," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 136(C), pages 440-450.
    5. Anna Adamik & Dorota Sikora-Fernandez, 2021. "Smart Organizations as a Source of Competitiveness and Sustainable Development in the Age of Industry 4.0: Integration of Micro and Macro Perspective," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(6), pages 1-27, March.
    6. Peltokorpi, Vesa & Sekiguchi, Tomoki & Yamao, Sachiko, 2021. "Expatriate justice and host country nationals' work outcomes: Does host country nationals' language proficiency matter?," Journal of International Management, Elsevier, vol. 27(1).
    7. Tavoletti, Ernesto & Bernhard, Theresa & Dong, Longzhu & Taras, Vas, 2023. "Peer performance evaluations in global virtual teams: A longitudinal analysis of surface- and deep-level attributes," Journal of International Management, Elsevier, vol. 29(3).
    8. Nicole F. Richter & Sven Hauff & Christian M. Ringle & Siegfried P. Gudergan, 2022. "The Use of Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling and Complementary Methods in International Management Research," Management International Review, Springer, vol. 62(4), pages 449-470, August.
    9. Yang Chen & Luying Zhang & Hua Yin, 2022. "A Longitudinal Study on Students’ Foreign Language Anxiety and Cognitive Load in Gamified Classes of Higher Education," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(17), pages 1-20, August.
    10. Günter K Stahl & Martha L Maznevski, 2021. "Unraveling the effects of cultural diversity in teams: A retrospective of research on multicultural work groups and an agenda for future research," Journal of International Business Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Academy of International Business, vol. 52(1), pages 4-22, February.
    11. Gyeongcheol Cho & Christopher Schlaegel & Heungsun Hwang & Younyoung Choi & Marko Sarstedt & Christian M. Ringle, 2022. "Integrated Generalized Structured Component Analysis: On the Use of Model Fit Criteria in International Management Research," Management International Review, Springer, vol. 62(4), pages 569-609, August.
    12. Päivi Karhunen & Anne Kankaanranta & Tiina Räisänen, 2023. "Towards a Richer Understanding of Language and Identity in the MNC: Constructing Cosmopolitan Identities Through “English”," Management International Review, Springer, vol. 63(3), pages 507-530, June.
    13. Tavoletti, Ernesto & Stephens, Robert D. & Taras, Vas & Dong, Longzhu, 2022. "Nationality biases in peer evaluations: The country-of-origin effect in global virtual teams," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 31(2).
    14. Mukherjee, Debmalya & Kumar, Satish & Pandey, Nitesh & Lahiri, Somnath, 2023. "Is offshoring dead? A multidisciplinary review and future directions," Journal of International Management, Elsevier, vol. 29(3).
    15. Mohsen Mortazavi & Mahyuddin K. M. Nasution & Foad Abdolahzadeh & Mojtaba Behroozi & Afshin Davarpanah, 2021. "Sustainable Learning Environment by Mobile-Assisted Language Learning Methods on the Improvement of Productive and Receptive Foreign Language Skills: A Comparative Study for Asian Universities," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(11), pages 1-15, June.
    16. Boqian Wei & Tingting Yang & Chih-Hsing Liu, 2021. "“Can Intelligence Make You Happy?” The Influence of Tourists’ Cultural Sustainability and Intelligence on Their Flow Experience," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(22), pages 1-18, November.

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Presbitero, Alfred, 2021. "Communication accommodation within global virtual team: The influence of cultural intelligence and the impact on interpersonal process effectiveness," Journal of International Management, Elsevier, vol. 27(1).
    2. Richter, Nicole Franziska & Martin, Jonathan & Hansen, Sofie V. & Taras, Vasyl & Alon, Ilan, 2021. "Motivational configurations of cultural intelligence, social integration, and performance in global virtual teams," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 129(C), pages 351-367.
    3. Davaei, Mahboobeh & Gunkel, Marjaana & Veglio, Valerio & Taras, Vas, 2022. "The influence of cultural intelligence and emotional intelligence on conflict occurrence and performance in global virtual teams," Journal of International Management, Elsevier, vol. 28(4).
    4. Tavoletti, Ernesto & Bernhard, Theresa & Dong, Longzhu & Taras, Vas, 2023. "Peer performance evaluations in global virtual teams: A longitudinal analysis of surface- and deep-level attributes," Journal of International Management, Elsevier, vol. 29(3).
    5. Sharma, Revti Raman, 2019. "Cultural Intelligence and Institutional Success: The Mediating Role of Relationship Quality," Journal of International Management, Elsevier, vol. 25(3), pages 1-1.
    6. Julia Backmann & Rouven Kanitz & Amy Wei Tian & Patrick Hoffmann & Martin Hoegl, 2020. "Cultural gap bridging in multinational teams," Journal of International Business Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Academy of International Business, vol. 51(8), pages 1283-1311, October.
    7. Lakshman, C. & Bacouël-Jentjens, Sabine & Kraak, Johannes Marcelus, 2021. "Attributional complexity of monoculturals and biculturals: Implications for cross-cultural competence," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 56(6).
    8. Gyeongcheol Cho & Christopher Schlaegel & Heungsun Hwang & Younyoung Choi & Marko Sarstedt & Christian M. Ringle, 2022. "Integrated Generalized Structured Component Analysis: On the Use of Model Fit Criteria in International Management Research," Management International Review, Springer, vol. 62(4), pages 569-609, August.
    9. Tavoletti, Ernesto & Stephens, Robert D. & Taras, Vas & Dong, Longzhu, 2022. "Nationality biases in peer evaluations: The country-of-origin effect in global virtual teams," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 31(2).
    10. Klitmøller, Anders & Lauring, Jakob, 2016. "When distance is good: A construal level perspective on perceptions of inclusive international language use," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 25(1), pages 276-285.
    11. Rockstuhl, Thomas & Van Dyne, Linn, 2018. "A bi-factor theory of the four-factor model of cultural intelligence: Meta-analysis and theoretical extensions," Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, Elsevier, vol. 148(C), pages 124-144.
    12. Kozhakhmet, Sanat & Nurgabdeshov, Assylbek, 2022. "Knowledge acquisition of Chinese expatriates: managing Chinese MNEs in Kazakhstan," Journal of International Management, Elsevier, vol. 28(2).
    13. Pidduck, Robert J. & Shaffer, Margaret A. & Zhang, Yejun & Cheung, Sally S.Y. & Yunlu, Dilek G., 2022. "Cultural intelligence: An identity lens on the influence of cross-cultural experience," Journal of International Management, Elsevier, vol. 28(3).
    14. Helene Tenzer & Siri Terjesen & Anne-Wil Harzing, 2017. "Language in International Business: A Review and Agenda for Future Research," Management International Review, Springer, vol. 57(6), pages 815-854, December.
    15. Vuchkovski, Davor & Zalaznik, Maja & Mitręga, Maciej & Pfajfar, Gregor, 2023. "A look at the future of work: The digital transformation of teams from conventional to virtual," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 163(C).
    16. Glikson, Ella & Erez, Miriam, 2020. "The emergence of a communication climate in global virtual teams," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 55(6).
    17. Dana Minbaeva & Stacey Fitzsimmons & Chris Brewster, 2021. "Beyond the double-edged sword of cultural diversity in teams: Progress, critique, and next steps," Journal of International Business Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Academy of International Business, vol. 52(1), pages 45-55, February.
    18. Günter K Stahl & Martha L Maznevski, 2021. "Unraveling the effects of cultural diversity in teams: A retrospective of research on multicultural work groups and an agenda for future research," Journal of International Business Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Academy of International Business, vol. 52(1), pages 4-22, February.
    19. Lorenz, Melanie P. & Ramsey, Jase R. & Richey, Robert Glenn, 2018. "Expatriates’ international opportunity recognition and innovativeness: The role of metacognitive and cognitive cultural intelligence," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 53(2), pages 222-236.
    20. Schlaegel, Christopher & Richter, Nicole Franziska & Taras, Vasyl, 2021. "Cultural intelligence and work-related outcomes: A meta-analytic examination of joint effects and incremental predictive validity," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 56(4).

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:eee:intman:v:26:y:2020:i:2:s1075425319300833. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: Catherine Liu (email available below). General contact details of provider: http://www.elsevier.com/wps/find/journaldescription.cws_home/601266/description#description .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.