Virtual Teams that Work: Creating Conditions for Virtual Team Effectiveness

Managing virtual teams may be one of the most difficult challenges in this era. It's hard enough to guide teams who can meet face-to-face, and whose members share common language and culture. But the difficulties multiply when teams go virtual: Suddenly communication is via technology and involves team members with far different life experiences. This volume, edited by colleagues at the University of Southern California's Center for Effective Organizations, divide the issue into five topics: shared understanding, integration, and trust; people and context; leadership, knowledge management, and information sharing; implementing information technology; and processes and development. Issues addressed include how to compose and reward a virtual team, the development of leadership, and the strategic positioning of virtual teams within an organization. The final chapter summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of virtual teams and provides suggested best practices for virtual team effectiveness.