Year: 2018 | Month: June | Volume 7 | Issue 2
Virtual Groups: An Effective Tool for Knowledge Sharing and Dissemination
Abstract:
A virtual world is a computer-based online community environment that is designed and shared by individuals so that they can interact in a custom-built, simulated world (Bartle, 2003). A group of people who share similar interests and exchange information and ideas via computer networks are called virtual group or online community (Rheingold, 1993). Mousavidin and Goel (2009) developed a conceptual model of virtual group life cycle. In this model, the life of a virtual community is influenced by four elements namely socially shaped aspects, individually demonstrated characteristics, technologically facilitated features and the external influence. Virtual group formats can be broadly classified into virtual groups through social media networks and virtual groups through other media like email, video conferencing, voice conferencing, bulletin board system, drop box, text chat and virtual groups. Most popular virtual groups are virtual groups of social media networks such as facebook, youtube and whatsapp groups. Alexander et al. (2003) reported that moral obligations, conducive environment and community interest were motivational factors for contributing knowledge to virtual communities and doubtful nature about accuracy and relevancy of information, fear of criticism and information hoarding were demotivating factors. Virtual groups allow people to bond without being in close proximity either spatially or temporally. It improves interpersonal relationships and facilitates crowd funding. People may use fake identities which often lead to inconsistency and discontinuance of communication. Moreover, authenticity of information in virtual groups also cannot be assured. Hence an appropriate policy to limit the freedoms of users has been the need of the hour.
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