The influence of individuals' traits on virtual community cohesion

This paper presents an analysis of the relationships between individuals' traits and cohesion in the virtual community environment. Individual traits relate to personal qualities of members of the community where this paper attempts to present their influence over community cohesion. Four research variables were identified to represent the traits of the virtual community members. Experience relates to the number of years with the virtual community. Type relates to the type of virtual community platform or media used whereas preference is the choice selected by the members on the most preferred platform or media. Lastly involvement refers to the kinds of virtual community the members involved in. A virtual community cohesion measurement was used to test the significance of the four research variables. The findings show that Experience, Type and Involvement of members of the community are the traits that can influence virtual community cohesion. Involvement in the virtual community was however found not significant in contributing to social cohesion.