Title

If the World is Flat How Should We Measure Distance?

 

Authors

Peter G. Dominick, Ph.D.

W.J. Howe School of Technology Management,

Stevens Institute of Technology,

Castle Point on Hudson,

Hoboken, NJ 07030

(pdominic@stevens.edu 201.216.8071)

 

Karen Sobel-Lojeski, Ph.D.  Virtual Distance Inc.

(klojeski@virtualdistance.com)

 

Robert Werko, Ph.D. U.S. Army Research, Development & Engineering Center

(rwerko@pica.army.mil)

 

 

Michael Ryan, W.J. Howe School, Stevens Institute of Technology

(MRyan@stevens.edu)

 

Richard R. Reilly, W.J. Howe School, Stevens Institute of Technology

(RReilly@stevens.edu)

 

Abstract

In his book, The World is Flat, Tom FriedmanÕs describes how rapid advances in technology are dramatically altering the ways in which people interact and conduct business. In this flattened world, information, the equivalent of 21st century gold, literally moves around the globe in the blink of an eye. His point -   Once distant locales are increasingly closer than ever. However, as physical distance becomes less and less of a barrier to human interaction and interdependence we are forced to confront other forms of psychological and socio-economic distance at an ever increasing rate..  This paper discusses why recognizing and managing these other forms of distance present important challenges and opportunities, not just for organizational performance but also for our capacity to build a global community.  Recent research on how best to reconceptualize distance will be summarized and an emerging construct we have termed virtual distance¨ (Reilly, Sobel-Lojeski & Dominick, 2005) will be described. This notion is built upon two key points pertaining to human interaction in the age of the internet. First, ÒvirtualnessÓ is not necessarily a dichotomous phenomenon (Pauleen, 2003).   Most teams today are a mix of virtual and face-to face (FTF) interaction. Therefore, the key characteristics used to define a Òvirtual teamÓ are best thought of as being on a continuum (Zigurs, 2002). For example, many co-located teams use e-mail or web-based collaborative tools.  Second, the commonly cited characteristics of virtual interaction (physical, and temporal differences) are not the only factors influencing the attitudes and behavior of virtual communicators. Collaboration, whether it is FTF or computer mediated, occurs within a much broader context that includes interpersonal, social, organizational and technical factors, all of which have important implications for the attitudes and behavior of individuals and teams.

 

We will summarize results from two separate studies.  Study 1 (Sobel-lojeski, Reilly & Dominick, 2006) was based upon responses from members of 115 project teams.Using path analysis, the results showed that perceptions of virtual distance¨ had significant direct influences on trust, goal clarity and organizational citizenship behaviors and indirectly influenced innovation and success.  Study 2 (Werko & Reilly, 2006) used virtual distance to examine 174 dyadic relationships within a geographically distributed multidisciplinary team. Again virtual distance¨ had significant direct influences on trust and organizational citizenship behaviors.

 

Taken together these results suggest that in todayÕs flattened world distance is best understood as a multidimensional construct.  Implications for global collaboration  (especially outsourcing relationships) as well as education and learning will be discussed. We will conclude by describing the role for leadership in managing perceptions of distance and in building a sense of community that transcends time and space.

 

 

 

 

People WeÕd Like to See at The Conference

 

Tom Friedman (author) –He offers a thoughtful and lucid perspective on how technology is changing the nature of business and human interaction in the 21st Century.

 

Karen Armstrong (author) – She combines a commitment historical truth with a deep appreciation for spiritual aspects of the human condition. Her books and research draw attention to the transcendent themes of religious perspectives. An appreciation for these themes has the potential to be unifying force in world affairs, helping us to focus on what we have in common instead of that which leads to division.

 

Malcolm Gladwell (author) – He has a knack for identifying compelling themes that impact social interaction (e.g. the ways in which we make snap judgments and their effects on business, politics and general well-being)and writing about them in ways that are both accessible and thought provoking.

 

Paul Wolfowitz – As leader of the World Bank he can play an important role in shaping policies that impact the ways in which business enterprise serves social needs.