skip to main content
article

An empirical study of the effectiveness of telepresence as a business meeting mode

Published: 01 December 2016 Publication History

Abstract

Telepresence is a technology that has emerged as a promising mode for conducting business meetings with distributed participants, since it enables an immersive lifelike experience. However, telepresence meetings are substantially more expensive than audio- and video-conferencing meetings. This paper examines the justification of using telepresence for meetings. Based on an extensive literature review, two research questions about the effectiveness of telepresence for achieving meeting objectives are formulated. These are then addressed in an empirical study consisting of two phases, conducted in a large multinational corporation in which telepresence is widely used. In Phase 1, a list of meeting objectives is compiled. In Phase 2, the effectiveness of telepresence is analyzed relative to audio-conferencing, video-conferencing, and face-to-face for these objectives, based on input from 392 meeting organizers. The results of the analysis indicate that although the effectiveness of telepresence is higher than the effectiveness of audio- and video-conferencing for several meeting objectives, it is not significantly different from the effectiveness of face-to-face for any objective.

References

[1]
Bartlett J (2007) Telepresence: beautiful and expensive. Bus Commun Rev 37(6):20---25
[2]
Bordia P (1997) Face-to-face versus computer-mediated communication: a synthesis of the experimental literature. J Bus Commun 34(1):99---120
[3]
Borges MR, Pino JA, Fuller DA, Salgado AC (1999) Key issues in the design of an asynchronous system to support meeting preparation. Decis Support Syst 27(3):269---287
[4]
Bos N, Olson J, Gergle D, Olson G, Wright Z (2002) Effects of four computer-mediated communications channels on trust development. In: Proceedings of the SIGCHI conference on human factors in computing systems, Minneapolis, MN, pp 135---140
[5]
Briggs RO, de Vreede G-J, Reinig BA (2003) A theory and measurement of meeting satisfaction. In: 36th Hawaii international conference on system sciences
[6]
Brown SA, Dennis AR, Venkatesh V (2010) Predicting collaboration technology use: integrating technology adoption and collaboration research. J Manag Inf Syst 27(2):9---54
[7]
Burke K, Chidambaram L (1999) How much bandwidth is enough? A longitudinal examination of media characteristics and group outcomes. MIS Q 23(4):557---579
[8]
Burton-Jones A, Grange C (2013) From use to effective use: a representation theory perspective. Inf Syst Res 24(3):632---658
[9]
Buxton WAS (1991) Telepresence: integrating shared task and person spaces. In: Proceedings of groupware, pp 27---36
[10]
Campbell JA (1998) Participation in videoconferenced meetings: user disposition and meeting context. Inf Manag 34(6):329---338
[11]
Carlson JR, George JF (2004) Media appropriateness in the conduct and discovery of deceptive communication: the relative influence of richness and synchronicity. Group Decis Negot 13(2):191---210
[12]
Carlson JR, Zmud R (1999) Channel expansion theory and the experiential nature of media richness perceptions. Acad Manag J 42(2):153---170
[13]
Chidambaram L, Jones B (1993) Impact of communication medium and computer support on group perceptions and performance: a comparison of face-to-face and dispersed meetings. MIS Q 17(4):465---491
[14]
Christie B, Kingan S (1977) Electronic alternatives to the business meeting: managers' choices. J Occup Psychol 50(4):265---273
[15]
Conti J (2007) Technology telepresence: i see live people. Eng Manag J 17(3):12---16
[16]
Costello R (2011) Market analysis: worldwide enterprise videoconferencing and telepresence 2011---2015 forecast. IDC 1---37
[17]
Culnan MJ (1984) The dimensions of accessibility to online information: implications for implementing office information systems. ACM Trans Inf Syst 2(2):141---150
[18]
Daft R (1986) Organizational information requirements, media richness and structural design. Manag Sci 32(5):554---571
[19]
Daft R, Lengel R, Trevino LK (1987) Message equivocality, media selection, and manager performance: implications for information systems. MIS Q 11(3):355---366
[20]
Davis F (1989) Perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and user acceptance of information technology. MIS Q 13(3):319---340
[21]
Davis F, Bagozzi RP, Warshaw PR (1989) User acceptance of computer technology: a comparison of two theoretical models. Manag Sci 35(8):982---1003
[22]
Dennis A, Fuller R, Valacich J (2008) Media, tasks, and communication processes: a theory of media synchronicity. MIS Q 32(3):575---600
[23]
Dennis A, Fuller R, Valacich J (2009) Media synchronicity and media choice. In: Hartmann T (ed) Media choice: a theoretical and empirical overview. Routledge, New York, pp 247---273
[24]
Dennis A, George J, Jessup L, Nunamaker JF, Vogel DR (1988) Information technology to support electronic meetings. MIS Q 12(4):591---624
[25]
Dennis A, Kinney S (1998) Testing media richness theory in the new media: the effects of cues, feedback, and task equivocality. Inf Syst Res 9(3):256---274
[26]
Dennis A, Valacich J (1999) Rethinking media richness: towards a theory of media synchronicity. In: 32nd Hawaii international conference on system sciences
[27]
Dennis A, Wixom B, Vandenberg R (2001) Understanding fit and appropriation effects in group support systems via meta-analysis. MIS Q 25(2):167---193
[28]
Denstadli JM, Gripsrud M, Hjorthol R, Julsrud TE (2013) Videoconferencing and business air travel: do new technologies produce new interaction patterns? Transp Res Part C Emerg Technol 29:1---13
[29]
Denstadli JM, Julsrud TE, Hjorthol RJ (2011) Videoconferencing as a mode of communication: a comparative study of the use of videoconferencing and face-to-face meetings. J Bus Tech Commun 26(1):65---91
[30]
DeSanctis G, Gallupe R (1987) A foundation for the study of group decision support systems. Manag Sci 33(5):589---609
[31]
Ferran C, Watts S (2008) Videoconferencing in the field: a heuristic processing model. Manag Sci 54(9):1565---1578
[32]
Fish R, Kraut R, Root R, Rice R (1992) Evaluating video as a technology for informal communication. In: Proceedings of the SIGCHI conference, pp 37---48
[33]
Fjermestad J (2004) An analysis of communication mode in group support systems research. Decis Support Syst 37(2):239---263
[34]
Fuller RM, Dennis AR (2009) Does fit matter? The impact of task-technology fit and appropriation on team performance in repeated tasks. Inf Syst Res 20(1):2---17
[35]
George JF, Carlson JR, Valacich JS (2013) Media selection as a strategic component of communication. MIS Q 37(4):1233---1251
[36]
Goodhue D, Thompson R (1995) Task-technology fit and individual performance. MIS Q 19(2):213---236
[37]
Habermas J (1987) The theory of communicative action. Heinemann Education, London
[38]
Handy C (1995) Trust and the virtual organization. Harvard Bus Rev 73(3):40---50
[39]
Hoegl M, Gemuenden HG (2001) Teamwork quality and the success of innovative projects: a theoretical concept and empirical evidence. Organ Sci 12(4):435---449
[40]
Hollan J, Stornetta S (1992) Beyond being there. In: Proceedings of the SIGCHI conference on human factors in computing systems--CHI'92. ACM Press, New York, New York, USA, pp 119---125
[41]
Hollingshead AB, Mcgrath JE, O'Connor KM (1993) Group task performance and communication technology: a longitudinal study of computer-mediated versus face-to-face work groups. Small Group Res 24(3):307---333
[42]
Jarvenpaa SL, Leidner DE (1999) Communication and trust in global virtual teams. Organ Sci 10(6):791---815
[43]
King WR, He J (2006) A meta-analysis of the technology acceptance model. Inf Manag 43(6):740---755
[44]
King R, Xia W (1997) Media appropriateness: effects of experience on communication media choice. Decis Sci 28(4):877---910
[45]
Kock N (2001) Compensatory adaptation to a lean medium: an action research investigation of electronic communication in process improvement groups. IEEE Trans Prof Commun 44(4):267---285
[46]
Kock N (2004) The psychobiological model: towards a new theory of computer-mediated communication based on darwinian evolution. Organ Sci 15(3):327---348
[47]
Kock N (2007) Media naturalness and compensatory encoding: the burden of electronic media obstacles is on senders. Decis Support Syst 44(1):175---187
[48]
Kock N (2009) Information systems theorizing based on evolutionary psychology: an interdisciplinary review and theory integration framework. MIS Q 33(2):395---418
[49]
Kydd C, Ferry D (1994) Managerial use of video conferencing. Inf Manag 27:369---375
[50]
Leach DJ, Rogelberg SG, Warr PB, Burnfield JL (2009) Perceived meeting effectiveness: the role of design characteristics. J Bus Psychol 24:65---76
[51]
Lee Y, Kozar K, Larsen K (2003) The technology acceptance model: past, present, and future. Commun Assoc Inf Syst 12(1):752---780
[52]
Lee Y, Kozar K, Larsen K (2009) Avatar e-mail versus traditional e-mail: perceptual difference and media selection difference. Decis Support Syst 46(2):451---467
[53]
Lengel RH, Daft RL (1989) The selection of communication media as an executive skill. Acad Manag Exec 2(3):225---232
[54]
Lin C, Standing C, Liu Y-C (2008) A model to develop effective virtual teams. Decis Support Syst 45(4):1031---1045
[55]
Lombard M, Ditton T (1997) At the heart of it all: the concept of presence. J Comput Mediat Commun.
[56]
Lu J-L, Peeta S (2009) Analysis of the factors that influence the relationship between business air travel and videoconferencing. Transp Res Part A Policy Pract 43(8):709---721
[57]
Markus M (1987) Toward a "critical mass" theory of interactive media universal access, interdependence and diffusion. Commun Res 14(5):491---511
[58]
Markus M (1994) Electronic mail as the medium of managerial choice. Organ Sci 5(4):502---527
[59]
McGrath J (1984) Groups: interaction and performance. Prentice-Hall, Englewood Cliffs
[60]
Miranda S, Saunders CS (2003) The social construction of meaning: an alternative perspective on information sharing. Inf Syst Res 14(1):87---106
[61]
Neter J, Kutner M, Nachtsheim C, Wasserman W (1996) Applied linear statistical models. McGraw-Hill, New York
[62]
Nunamaker JF, Dennis AR, Valacich JS, Vogel DR, George JF (1991) Electornic meeting systems to support group work. Commun ACM 34(7):40---61
[63]
Ocker R, Fjermestad J, Hiltz SR, Johnson K (1998) Effects of four modes of group communication on the outcomes of software requirements determination. J Manag Inf Syst 15(1):99---118
[64]
Ocker R, Hiltz SR, Turoff M, Fjermestad J (1995) Structuring on software requirements the effects of distributed group support and process structuring on software teams: requirements development results on creativity and quality. J Manag Inf Syst 12(3):127---153
[65]
Olson GM, Olson JS (2000) Distance matters. Hum Comput Interact 15:139---178
[66]
Palvia P, Pinjani P, Cannoy S, Jacks T (2011) Contextual constraints in media choice: beyond information richness. Decis Support Syst 51(3):657---670
[67]
Reinsch NL, Beswick RW (1990) Voice mail versus conventional channels: a cost minimization analysis of individuals' preferences. Acad Manag J 33(4):801---816
[68]
Reinsch NL, Turner JW, Tinsley CH (2008) Multicommunicating: a practice whose time has come? Acad Manag Rev 33(2):391---403
[69]
Rice RE (1992) Task analyzability, use of new media, and effectiveness: a multi-site exploration of media richness. Organ Sci 3(4):475---500
[70]
Rice RE (1993) Media appropriateness: using social presence theory to compare traditional and new organizational media. Hum Commun Res 19(4):451---484
[71]
Robert L, Dennis AR (2005) Paradox of richness: a cognitive model of media choice. IEEE Prof Commun 48(1):10---21
[72]
Roberts TL, Lowry PB, Sweeney PD (2006) An evaluation of the impact of social presence through group size and the use of collaborative software on group member "voice" in face-to-face and computer-mediated task groups. IEEE Trans Prof Commun 49(1):28---43
[73]
Rogelberg SG, Scott CW, Agypt B, Williams J, Kello JE, McCausland T, Olien JL (2013) Lateness to meetings: examination of an unexplored temporal phenomenon. Eur J Work Organ Psychol 23(3):323---341
[74]
Romano NC, Nunamaker JF (2001) Meeting analysis: findings from research and practice. In: 34th Hawaii international conference on system sciences, IEEE, pp 1---13
[75]
Rosetti D, Surynt T (1985) Video teleconferencing and performance. J Bus Commun 22(4):25---32
[76]
Shim JP, Warkentin M, Courtney JF, Power DJ, Sharda R, Carlsson C (2002) Past, present, and future of decision support technology. Decis Support Syst 33(2):111---126
[77]
Short J, Williams E, Christie B (1976) The social psychology of telecommunications. Wiley, London
[78]
Simon A (2006) Computer-mediated communication: task performance and satisfaction. J Soc Psychol 146(3):349---379
[79]
Standaert W, Muylle S, Basu A (2011) Telepresence in business meetings. In: 32nd international conference on information systems
[80]
Standaert W, Muylle S, Basu A (2013) Assessing the effectiveness of telepresence for business meetings. In: 46th Hawaii international conference on system sciences, IEEE, pp 549---558
[81]
Stitzlein C, Alem L (2006) When mixing physical presence with telepresence: analysis of a pilot study. Presence, pp 102---103
[82]
Straub D, Karahanna E (1998) Knowledge worker communications and recipient availability: toward a task closure explanation of media choice. Organ Sci 9(2):160---175
[83]
Straus S, McGrath J (1994) Does the medium matter? The interaction of task type and technology on group performance and member reactions. J Appl Psychol 79(1):87---97
[84]
Te'eni D (2001) Review: a cognitive---affective model of organizational communication for designing IT. MIS Q 25(2):251---312
[85]
Trevino LK, Lengel RH, Daft RL (1987) Media symbolism, media richness, and media choice in organizations: a symbolic interactionist perspective. Commun Res 14(5):553---574
[86]
Trevino LK, Webster J, Stein EW (2000) Making connections: complementary influences on communication media choices attitudes, and use. Organ Sci 11(2):163---182
[87]
Tung L, Turban E (1998) A proposed research framework for distributed group support systems. Decis Support Syst 23(2):175---188
[88]
Venkatesh V, Bala H (2008) Technology acceptance model 3 and a research agenda on interventions. Decis Sci 39(2):273---315
[89]
Venkatesh V, Davis FD (2000) A theoretical extension of the technology acceptance model: four longitudinal field studies. Manag Sci 46(2):186---204
[90]
Venkatesh V, Morris M, Davis G, Davis F (2003) User acceptance of information technology: toward a unified view. MIS Q 27(3):425---478
[91]
Verdantix (2010) Carbon disclosure project study 2010: the telepresence revolution, pp 1---24
[92]
Walther JB (1996) Computer-mediated communication: impersonal, interpersonal, and hyperpersonal interaction. Commun Res 23(1):3---43
[93]
Walther JB, Bazarova NN (2008) Validation and application of electronic propinquity theory to computer-mediated communication in groups. Commun Res 35(5):622---645
[94]
Watson-Manheim M-B, Bélanger F (2007) Communication media repertoires: dealing with the multiplicity of media choices. MIS Q 31(2):267---293
[95]
Westmyer SA, DiCioccio RL, Rubin RB (1998) Appropriateness and effectiveness of communication channels in competent interpersonal communication. J Commun 48(3):27---48
[96]
Yates J, Orlikowski W (1992) Genres of organizational communication: a structurational approach to studying communication and media. Acad Manag Rev 17(2):299---326
[97]
Zigurs I, Buckland B (1998) A theory of task/technology fit and group support systems effectiveness. MIS Q 22(3):313---334

Cited By

View all
  • (2024)Meeting Effectiveness and Inclusiveness: Large-scale Measurement, Identification of Key Features, and Prediction in Real-world Remote MeetingsProceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction10.1145/36373708:CSCW1(1-39)Online publication date: 26-Apr-2024
  • (2024)Mental Models of Meeting Goals: Supporting Intentionality in Meeting TechnologiesProceedings of the 2024 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems10.1145/3613904.3642670(1-17)Online publication date: 11-May-2024
  • (2022)An Empirical Investigation of the Underlying Cognitive Process in Complex Problem SolvingInternational Journal of Cognitive Informatics and Natural Intelligence10.4018/IJCINI.30120416:1(1-25)Online publication date: 10-Jun-2022
  • Show More Cited By

Recommendations

Comments

Information & Contributors

Information

Published In

cover image Information Technology and Management
Information Technology and Management  Volume 17, Issue 4
December 2016
96 pages

Publisher

Kluwer Academic Publishers

United States

Publication History

Published: 01 December 2016

Author Tags

  1. Communication media effectiveness
  2. Meeting objectives
  3. Technology-enabled distributed meetings
  4. Telepresence
  5. Video-conferencing

Qualifiers

  • Article

Contributors

Other Metrics

Bibliometrics & Citations

Bibliometrics

Article Metrics

  • Downloads (Last 12 months)0
  • Downloads (Last 6 weeks)0
Reflects downloads up to 27 Feb 2025

Other Metrics

Citations

Cited By

View all
  • (2024)Meeting Effectiveness and Inclusiveness: Large-scale Measurement, Identification of Key Features, and Prediction in Real-world Remote MeetingsProceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction10.1145/36373708:CSCW1(1-39)Online publication date: 26-Apr-2024
  • (2024)Mental Models of Meeting Goals: Supporting Intentionality in Meeting TechnologiesProceedings of the 2024 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems10.1145/3613904.3642670(1-17)Online publication date: 11-May-2024
  • (2022)An Empirical Investigation of the Underlying Cognitive Process in Complex Problem SolvingInternational Journal of Cognitive Informatics and Natural Intelligence10.4018/IJCINI.30120416:1(1-25)Online publication date: 10-Jun-2022
  • (2021)Meeting Effectiveness and Inclusiveness in Remote CollaborationProceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction10.1145/34492475:CSCW1(1-29)Online publication date: 22-Apr-2021
  • (2020)Bridging formal barriers in digital work environments – Investigating technology-enabled interactions across organizational hierarchiesTelematics and Informatics10.1016/j.tele.2020.10134248:COnline publication date: 1-May-2020

View Options

View options

Figures

Tables

Media

Share

Share

Share this Publication link

Share on social media