Virtual meetings represent a key 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 traits of the displayer (big five, narcissism, intelligence) and are used to form interpersonal impressions (assertive, trustworthy, calm, competent). We assessed personality and ability tests of 362 participants (mostly business students) engaging in an assessment center group task via Zoom. Based on a set of 26 contextual virtual meeting cues, we identified valid cues signaling each of the traits and utilized cues for forming each of the interpersonal impressions, except for being seen as calm. Whereas contextual virtual meeting cues explained significant variance beyond basic demographics in traits and impressions, cue validities and utilizations were only moderate (r < .19), as were the incremental explained variances (R2 < .12). Overall, there seems to be some substance to the notion that traits can manifest through contextual virtual meeting cues and that these cues may shape impression formation. We contribute to the literature on trait expression and impression formation in virtual business meetings and offer practical implications for organizations and meeting attendees aiming to manage their virtual impressions.
