Understanding Collaboration with Virtual Assistants – The Role of Social Identity and the Extended Self

• DOI: 10.1007/s12599-020-00672-x
• Publication Date: 2020-12-01T11:05:40Z
• Authors: Milad Mirbabaie; Stefan Stieglitz; Felix Brünker; Lennart Hofeditz; Björn Ross; Nicholas R. J. Frick
• Keywords: Identification; Virtual team

Abstract Organizations introduce virtual assistants (VAs) to support employees with work-related tasks. VAs can increase the success of teamwork and thus become an integral part daily work life. However, effect on teams remains unclear. While social identity theory describes identification team members continued existence a group identity, concept extended self refers incorporation possessions into one’s sense self. This raises question which approach applies as teammates. The article extends IS literature by examining impact individuals updates knowledge deploying in collaborative setting. Using laboratory experiment N = 50, two groups were compared solving task, where one was assisted VA, while other supported person. Results highlight that who identify their are more likely vice versa. aspects combined proposed construct virtually explaining relationships collaboration VAs. study contributes understanding influence Practitioners able assess how improve mixed organizations.