From pixels to personality: Trait expression and impression formation based on contextual virtual meeting cues

Abstract

Virtual meetings are an important communication channel in organizations, introducing a range of contextual cues (e.g., background objects, lighting, positioning). Building on the lens model, we examine whether contextual virtual meeting cues signal displayers' traits and are used to form basic interpersonal impressions in genuine virtual interactions. We assessed traits (Big Five, narcissism, intelligence) and mutual impressions (assertive, trustworthy, calm, competent) of 362 participants completing assessment centre group tasks via Zoom. Using a broad set of 26 contextual virtual meeting cues derived from a combined top-down/bottom-up approach, we found contextual virtual meeting cues to explain variance beyond basic demographics in all traits and most impressions. Yet, cue validities/utilizations were only moderate (r ≤.18), as were the incremental explained variances (ΔR2 ≤.11). Whereas there appears to be some substance to the notion that traits manifest through contextual virtual meeting cues and that these cues shape impression formation, the effects seem to be smaller than suggested by widespread practitioner advice and early experimental research. The lens model emerged as a powerful framework for guiding theoretical explanations of trait expression and impression formation in virtual business meetings, and for identifying practical implications for organizational decision-makers and meeting attendees.