Walden University ScholarWorks Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection 2015 The orC relation between Virtual Communication and Employee Engagement Ryan Nathaniel Mitchell Walden University Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations Part of the Business Commons, and the Communication Commons This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection at ScholarWorks. It has been accepted for inclusion in Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Walden University College of Management and Technology This is to certify that the doctoral study by Ryan Mitchell has been found to be complete and satisfactory in all respects, and that any and all revisions required by the review committee have been made. Review Committee Dr. Dorothy Marie Hanson, Committee Chairperson, Doctor of Business Administration Faculty Dr. Michael Ewald, Committee Member, Doctor of Business Administration Faculty Dr. Frederick Nwosu, University Reviewer, Doctor of Business Administration Faculty Chief Academic Officer Eric Riedel, Ph.D. Walden University 2015 Abstract The Correlation between Virtual Communication and Employee Engagement by Ryan Nathaniel Mitchell MS, Faulkner University, 2005 BS, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, 2002 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University April 2015 Abstract Managers’ ability to engage virtual employees (those in different geographic locations) is a determining factor of employee productivity and commitment to an organization. Since 2005, the number of U.S.-based virtual employees increased; however, research regarding virtual communication and employee engagement is limited. The purpose of this quantitative study was to examine if a significant correlation exists between employee engagement (the dependent variable) and the quantity and perceived quality of virtual management communication (the independent variables). The research question assessed the correlation among the quantity of time managers spend communicating with virtual employees, quality of virtual communication, and employee engagement. Homans’s social exchange theory served as the theoretical framework. Data collection involved an online survey from 71 U.S.-based virtual employees, working primarily from home. The results of the regression analysis were statistically significant, F(2, 67) = 7.14, p = .002, R2 = .18, indicating that quantity of time a manager a spent communicating with virtual employees and the virtual employees’ perceived quality of communication positively affected employee engagement. Findings indicated that managers who communicate more frequently and have a higher perceived quality of communication are more likely to have engaged employees. Business leaders can use this study to inform managers of the need for frequent, high-quality communication with their virtual employees. The findings will contribute to social change by providing organizational leaders with useful strategic information to increase the employee engagement of home- based virtual employees. The Correlation between Virtual Communication and Employee Engagement by Ryan Nathaniel Mitchell MS, Faulkner University, 2005 BS, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, 2002 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University April 2015 Dedication This work is dedicated to my wife, Crystal. Without your enduring strength and love, I would not have been able to complete this daunting task. Your words “if you start this program, then you must finish it” stayed with me throughout every semester and each course. Thank you, Crystal for your undying support. Most importantly, without Christ I am nothing. Every success in my life is dedicated to Him. Lord, I thank you. Acknowledgments With this work, I honor my parents, R. Nathaniel and Carolyn J. Mitchell. Without the foundation they set, I would not be where I am today. Thank you for being the strong shoulders on which I proudly stand. My wife, Crystal, deserves double honor, as my life coach and home school teacher. My sisters (Marla and Taryn), extended family, and in-laws have also been positive factors in my life. Thank you for your kindness. Thank you for your continued love. I have also had the most supportive group of friends, and fraternity brothers for which I could ever ask. Thank you for your support, kind words, and your prayers. Thanks to the teachers, instructors, and professors that I have encountered in my educational career. Without the words of encouragement and inspiration, I may not have known that I had the will to persevere. I would like to thank my three faculty mentors, Dr. Dorothy Hanson, Dr. Darryl Brydie, and Dr. James Goes. Thank you to all Walden faculty and staff who worked with me throughout this journey. Thank you also to the leaders of my research site for allowing me to host my study at your place of business. I acknowledge my coworkers, managers, and employees at the various organizations of my professional career. Your friendships have been uplifted me. I have learned from many leaders in the public and private sectors. Every experience, both positive and negative makes me the man I am today. Thank you all! Table of Contents List of Tables ..................................................................................................................... iv List of Figures ......................................................................................................................v Section 1: Foundation of the Study ......................................................................................1 Purpose Statement ..........................................................................................................5 Nature of the Study ........................................................................................................6 Research Question .........................................................................................................6 Hypotheses .....................................................................................................................7 Survey Questions .................................................................................................... 7 Theoretical Framework ................................................................................................10 Definition of Terms......................................................................................................12 Assumptions, Limitations, and Delimitations ..............................................................14 Assumptions .......................................................................................................... 14 Limitations ............................................................................................................ 14 Significance of the Study .............................................................................................16 Contribution to Business Practice ......................................................................... 16 Implications for Social Change ............................................................................. 18 A Review of the Professional and Academic Literature ..............................................18 Transition and Summary ..............................................................................................50 Section 2: The Project ........................................................................................................52 Purpose Statement ........................................................................................................52 Role of the Researcher .................................................................................................53 i Participants ...................................................................................................................54 Research Method and Design ......................................................................................57 Method .................................................................................................................. 58 Research Design.................................................................................................... 59 Population and Sampling .............................................................................................62 Ethical Research...........................................................................................................63 Data Collection ............................................................................................................64 Instruments ............................................................................................................ 64 Data Collection Technique ................................................................................... 67 Data Organization Techniques .............................................................................. 67 Data Analysis Technique .............................................................................................68 Reliability and Validity ................................................................................................71