Using virtual worlds for collaboration : an exploratory study for a better understanding

International audienceSince the early 2000s, researchers have explored the contributions of virtual worlds (VWs) as a space for social interaction and team collaboration. However, a taxonomy of salient opportunities and challenges yielded by collaborating in VWs. This study examines such a taxonomy through a Delphi method to gather management graduate students opinions regarding the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) of team collaboration in VWs. The participants surveyed in this study produced an ordered list of important adoption and entry issues to consider when collaborating in VWs. Additional factors were identified through a discussion of these issues. Based on our findings, we further discuss the relevance and implications of opportunities and challenges associated with collaborating in virtual worlds. This study targets both management audience and computer science audience. It helps to put a first step towards an optimal utilization of VWs to conduct team collaboration by highlighting salient constructs of team collaboration. Further, our findings provide direction for researchers and practitioners interested in using and designing VWs for team collaboratio