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The Effect of Visual Openness in Meeting Rooms on Team Productivity and Communication Quality: Evidence from a Randomized Controlled Trial

Author

Listed:
  • Asakawa, Shinsuke

    (Osaka University)

  • Shimono, Akinori
  • Takahashi, Mikiko
  • Yamane, Shoko

    (The University of Osaka)

  • Sasaki, Masaru

    (The University of Osaka)

Abstract

This study investigates whether a meeting environment’s visual openness influences team productivity and communication quality. We conducted a randomized controlled trial with participants assigned to discussions held in a transparent glass meeting room (treatment) or a fully curtained room (control). Team productivity was evaluated based on the quality of participants’ policy proposals. Communication quality was assessed using transcript-based indicators such as laugh frequency and topic diversity. We found that groups in visually open meeting rooms received significantly higher proposal ratings and exhibited greater emotional positivity and topic diversity, highlighting that within-session dynamics expose how environmental design affects group interaction.

Suggested Citation

  • Asakawa, Shinsuke & Shimono, Akinori & Takahashi, Mikiko & Yamane, Shoko & Sasaki, Masaru, 2025. "The Effect of Visual Openness in Meeting Rooms on Team Productivity and Communication Quality: Evidence from a Randomized Controlled Trial," IZA Discussion Papers 18058, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp18058
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ben Weidmann & David J. Deming, 2021. "Team Players: How Social Skills Improve Team Performance," Econometrica, Econometric Society, vol. 89(6), pages 2637-2657, November.
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    JEL classification:

    • C93 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Field Experiments
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • M54 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Personnel Economics - - - Labor Management

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