Title: Academic pedigree diversity and global virtual team dynamics and performance

Authors: Seema Pissaris; Longzhu Dong; Vasyl Taras; William Newburry

Addresses: Department of International Business, College of Business, Florida International University, Miami, University Park, Florida, USA ' Management Department, University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire, Eau Claire, Wisconsin, USA ' Department of Management, Bryan School of Business and Economics, The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina, USA ' Department of International Business, College of Business, Florida International University, Miami, University Park, Florida, USA

Abstract: Research on team diversity has been abundant but primarily focused on demographic and cultural diversity. The present study tests the effects of academic pedigree diversity among Global Virtual Team (GVT) members, a facet of diversity not explored in prior research. Using a sample of 490 global virtual teams composed of business students working on a consulting project, we find that university pedigree diversity prompts the formation of subgroups, leading to higher interpersonal conflict and lower task clarity, ultimately lowering the GVT's performance. These effects are weaker in GVTs composed of members from more reputable countries. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.

Keywords: GVT; global virtual teams; diversity; university pedigree; conflict; reputation.

DOI: 10.1504/EJIM.2025.146850

European Journal of International Management, 2025 Vol.26 No.3/4, pp.699 - 722

Received: 25 Jan 2023
Accepted: 09 Dec 2023
Published online: 23 Jun 2025 *

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