...CHALLENGES OF MANAGING VIRTUALIZED TEAMS Table of Contents I. Introduction 3 II. Why Virtual Teams? 3 III. Are Virtual Teams For Me? 4 IV. Virtual Team Challenges and Best Practices 4 1. Communication Challenges 5 A. Cultural and Global Communication Challenges 6 2. Management and Leadership Challenges 7 V. On The Flip Side: Virtualized Project Managers 9 VI. Conclusion 9 Appendix 1: Source: Solomon, 2010, p. 10 11 Appendix 2: Source: Solomon, 2010, p. 12 12 I. Introduction As globalization becomes more prevalent in organizations and telecommunications infrastructure improves, virtual teams are becoming more and more of a reality. Collaboration of work and sharing of knowledge is becoming increasingly important as businesses promote more agile and just-in-time production. Many businesses realize that virtual teams can provide them with these competitive advantages. However, as virtual teams grow in popularity (Cascio et al., 2000), the challenges that come with managing these teams become more apparent. This is due to problems that naturally come from a virtual environment, such as communication deficiency, lack of motivation, and non-transparent management. This report is intended to inform project managers and IT professionals about the challenges of virtual team management and provide best practices for handling these challenges. In this paper, we will be looking at managing three different configurations for virtual teams: virtualized...
Words: 3037 - Pages: 13
...MANAGING VIRTUAL PROJECT TEAMS A research project submitted to the faculty of San Francisco State University In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Master of Business Administration by Bryan Rolf Trautsch San Francisco, California December 11, 2003 Copyright (c) 2003 by Bryan Trautsch. CERTIFICATION OF APPROVAL I certify that I have read VIRTUAL PROJECT MANAGEMENT by Bryan Rolf Trautsch, and that in my opinion this work meets the criteria for approving a research project submitted in partial fulfillment of requirements for the Master of Business Administration degree at San Francisco State University. ________________________________________ Dr. Robert C. Nickerson Professor of Information Systems ________________________________________ Dr. Sam S. Gill Professor of Information Systems ABSTRACT MANAGING VIRTUAL PROJECT TEAMS Bryan Rolf Trautsch San Francisco State University Fall 2003 The purpose of the project is to explore the communications and collaborations issues associated with managing virtual project teams. In order to establish a better understanding of the problem, the paper evaluates virtual teams against more traditional collocated teams to provide some background and depth to the research. The method used in the research was in the format of a questionnaire consisting of six questions. The questionnaire was delivered via e-mail to various project managers with virtual project team experience dispersed through...
Words: 11404 - Pages: 46
...sciencedirect.com International Journal of Project Management 27 (2009) 456–463 www.elsevier.com/locate/ijproman E-ethical leadership for virtual project teams Margaret R. Lee * Capella University, 225 South Sixth Street, Minneapolis, MN 55402, United States Received 30 March 2008; received in revised form 21 May 2008; accepted 27 May 2008 Abstract This paper presents a review of current literature on ethical theories as they relate to ethical leadership in the virtual business environment (e-ethics) and virtual project leadership. Ethical theories are reviewed in relation to virtual project management, such as participative management, Theory Y, and its relationship to utilitarianism; Kantian ethics, motivation, and trust; communitarian ethics, ethic of care and egalitarianism; Stakeholder Theory; and the use of political tactics. Challenges to e-ethical leadership are presented and responses to these issues discussed. The conclusion presents four propositions for future research. The purpose of this paper is to identify secondary literature on e-ethics and how this new area of business ethics may affect the leaders of virtual project teams. Ó 2008 Elsevier Ltd and IPMA. All rights reserved. Keywords: E-ethics; E-leadership; Virtual project management; Virtual teams; Project management; Ethics; Project leadership; Ethical project leadership; E-ethical project management; Sensitive material; Code of conduct; Social isolation; Virtual community; Stakeholder involvement ...
Words: 6774 - Pages: 28
...VIRTUAL TEAMS INTRODUCTION PROS OF VIRTUAL TEAMS CONS OF VIRTUAL TEAMS WAYS TO USE VIRTUAL TEAMS IMPORTANCE OF E- LEADERSHIP ROLE OF MANAGER IN VIRTUAL TEAMS COMPANIES THAT USE VIRTUAL TEAMS AND TYPES OF VIRTUAL TEAMS CHALLENGES FACED BY ORGANIZATION IN USING VIRTUAL TEAMS HOW TO OVER COME THESE PROBLEMS CONCLUSION Technology is all around everyone and it is becoming more and more advance every single day. People do not have to rely on talking to individuals face to face and instead people are doing everything over the computers, tablets or even cell phones. As technology is growing companies are going to be primarily using virtual teams. Virtual teams are “whose members are interact primarily throughelectronic communications. Members of a virtual team may be within the same building or across continents.” (Business Dictionary) Companies are all over the world is using them to set up conferences, meetings, and interaction between co-workers. As technology advances we will address types of virtual teams, positives, negatives, challenges that are faced, roles of managers of the teams and how they overcome obstacles. Many people just see virtual teams as a phenomenon and when inactualitythey are bringing together companies closer because they are providing more structure for the organization to stay on a strict schedule and finish projects more rapidly. As long as you have cooperative team and many sources to utilize you will have a successful virtual team that...
Words: 1294 - Pages: 6
...Syllabus Page 1 of 6 GE347—Group Dynamics Note: The course syllabus describes how the course will be taught and how the materials and activities are planned. Please print the syllabus for your reference. Course Description In this course, students examine elements of successful teams and small decision-making groups. Emphasis is on communication, critical thinking and group process techniques. Quarter Credits 4 Instructional Contact Hours 40 Instructional Methods Prerequisite Courses Co-requisite Courses 40 hours theory 0 hour lab GE117 Composition I or equivalent None Objectives 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Explain the importance of group dynamics. Critique the performance of groups/teams in a variety of scenarios. Evaluate the use of problem-solving and decision-making techniques for virtual groups/teams. Apply theories of small group communication during small group activities. Apply ethical standards while participating in groups/teams. Apply critical-thinking and analysis skills to overcome obstacles and improvise solutions as a leader within small groups. 7. Use the ITT Tech Virtual Library for research and information necessary to complete assignments and projects. SCANS Objectives SCANS is an acronym for Secretary's Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills. The committee, created by the National Secretary of Labor in the early 1990's, created a list of skills and competencies that the committee feels are necessary for employees to function in a high technology...
Words: 1858 - Pages: 8
...global virtual team with members of different cultural backgrounds because leaders gradually promote their company to the world. Global projects with using virtual teams are primarily linked through computer and telecommunications technologies across national boundaries. Globalization of the construction industry has brought unique challenges such as coordination among project participants from different countries, and individual’s preferences in decision make and communication. As economic borders between countries come down, cultural barriers will most likely go up and pose new challenges and opportunities for business. Solving the cultural issues has been found to be of crucial importance for the success of virtual teams. This research attempts to characterize cultural differences along the dimension of cultural values and cultural practices Keywords: Virtual global project; Cultural diversity; Project management. Introduction Traditionally, a team-based project requires all team members physically present in a specific location for a period of time. But virtual global project requires a virtual team that members can engage in and deliver projects with limited or no direct physical interaction with other members. It allows multinational enterprises to draw on the widest talent pool available among their global employee base. Team members typically don't need to meet face-to-face, they can use several different virtual meeting applications to conduct all project work...
Words: 3046 - Pages: 13
...and differences between domestic and global project management. A project manager must realize that what might work in their country may not work in a foreign environment. Project managers might find themselves using practices that have worked for them in the past, without even thinking of the new environment, and issues may arise. Project managers need to understand the differences in a different country's environment to avoid and reduce any obstacles that there may be. Some considerations global project managers must consider are the legal, political, security, geographical, economic infrastructure, and culture implications of working with different countries (Gray, 2006). Some legal and political issues project managers should consider are staying within the laws and regulations of the country they are looking to work in. The foreign environment usually has protection of local workers, and may strongly influence how the different types of projects can be implemented. In addition, security is a high risk factor and must be considered when going to a foreign country. The geography of a country is also a consideration that one should make. It is necessary in this case to assess what the weather is like such as; does it rain often or is it extremely hot. These considerations must be made and planned into the overall projects, as some of these challenges could cause the project to be delayed if you are working on a construction project. In addition, one must consider the economic...
Words: 1481 - Pages: 6
...Summary of Article 1 Managing a virtual workplace The article is about Virtual workplaces, which is a kind of workplace that is not located at any one physical location and all the employees and clients are connected to each other through technology. This article establish the need to have a virtual workplaces, the pros and cons of having this form of workplace and provide some automations to managers to be more useful to the workplace. The benefits that businesses have acquired from virtual workplaces are the reduced real estate expenses, the increased productivity of teleworking employees, higher profits in sales, improved customer services as consultant spent more time face-to-face with customers, more access to global markets, and environmental benefits. The disadvantages of virtual workplaces are that the setup and maintenance costs for the required upgraded equipments for home offices are much more, there are more cultural clashes in a business team as every person hold a different set of values and thinking, there is an increase feeling of isolation between supervisors and coworkers, and last but not least there is a lack of trust when it comes to employees abilities to do the work. This Article also explains the kind of jobs virtual workplaces are appropriate for. Jobs where the employees work is performed over the phones, via computers, or where the individuals does not have to spend a lot of face to face time with business clients. The individuals who are internally...
Words: 1236 - Pages: 5
...Manual for Virtual Teams Table of Contents So, You Want a Virtual Team, Huh? 3 Introduction 3 The Look of a Successful Virtual Team 4 The Leader's Relief 6 Establishing Team Purpose 7 The Virtual Team Start-up Meeting 8 Local vs. Virtual 9 Operating Principles 10 The Culture Thing 11 “The Safety Net" – Coping With Virtuality 12 Become An Effective Leader 12 Staying On Top Of Things 12 The Technical Needs of a Virtual Team 13 Learning and Technology 13 Selecting Technology 13 Examples of Real-Time Tools (Synchronous) 14 Examples of Asynchronous Tools 14 The Virtual Meeting 15 Planning Your Meeting 15 The Virtual Meeting, cont. 16 Facilitation Tips 16 Types of Virtual Meeting Software to Consider 16 Managing Issues In A Virtual Team 17 Conclusions and Closure for a Virtual Team 18 References 19 So, You Want a Virtual Team, Huh? An Instructional Manual for Virtual Teams Introduction John is so excited! He starts his new job on Monday. In his new job, John will take on a team for a Fortune 100 company. His new company is growing fast, and to keep up with the pressure of rapid growth, they have been expanding across the country. John is new to this matrix-type work culture and needs to adjust his style of work and leadership to accommodate. How will he setup technology and infrastructures to support his new team? What techniques can he use to build trust, agreement and purpose with his new team? How will...
Words: 4956 - Pages: 20
...TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT SUMMER 2012 VIRTUAL PROJECT MANAGEMENT “A virtual project is a collaborative effort towards a specific goal or accomplishment which is based on ‘collective yet remote’ performance.” “Virtual project management is the structure in which virtual teams work together for a finite period of time to accomplish a specific goal” Current penetration of Internet and development of collaborative software have introduced new dimension to technical organizations for project management that “dispersed peoples” can be a project team in place of traditional concept of project team. Three types of virtual projects are common; Lean Project, Hybrid Project and Extreme projects. The people work on virtual project as team called virtual project team and virtual project management manage the input & output of the project. Basic seven types of virtual project teams are Networked teams, Production teams, Management teams, Action teams, Production teams, Services teams and Parallel teams. The major challenge faced by the company in executing the virtual project, is the management of virtual project team. Coordination, Communication and Control are the three essential elements for successful execution of virtual project by project management; where Control is a mechanism for mitigating coordination and communication challenges in virtual project team to make effectiveness of virtual project Management practices. Technologies like E-mail, Tele- and Videoconferencing and...
Words: 421 - Pages: 2
...Managing a virtual workplace The article Managing a Virtual Workplace focuses on the advantages and disadvantages of virtual workplaces and the tools needed for managers. There are many business reasons for a virtual workplace: reduced real estate expenses, increased productivity, higher profits, improved customer service, access to global markets and environmental benefits. There are also many disadvantages of a virtual workplace: set-up and maintenance costs, loss of cost efficiencies, cultural issues, feelings of isolation, and lack of trust. Virtual teams are not appropriate for every job or company. This article is about how to overcome the disadvantages and emphasizes the advantages of a virtual workplace and hoe managers will adapt to the new challenge of managing a virtual workplace. Critical success factors for global virtual teams This article focuses on the success and failures of virtual teams. There are several factors that determine the success or failure of virtual teams and they are: • Team Formation • Trust and Collaboration • Team Communication Within the team foundation, there has to be a clear sponsorship, agreed goals, awareness of cultural influences, and the right competencies and skills. Trust and collaboration are key skills in having a successful virtual team. Team communication is also a very important key in the success of a virtual team. You must stay connected with the members on your team and meet on a regular basis via e-mail...
Words: 567 - Pages: 3
...Performing Virtual Team March 28, 2015 Northeastern University Creating A High Performing Virtual Team Abstract Project teams have changed from being collocated to being diverse, globally located teams of highly skilled, individuals. Virtual teams are generally brought together quickly to complete a project in the shortest time frame within a budget and schedule. The challenge for organizations is to create a high performing virtual team, which takes time to achieve. This paper outlines characteristics and qualities of individuals who comprise a high performing virtual team. The team building approach is laid out and the levels that a team and it’s leader progress through to becoming a high performing virtual team. Introduction Globalization has lead to organizations changing from project managers of collocated teams to project leaders of virtual teams. In addition to having the necessary skills and experience, the people who comprise a virtual team bring unique characteristics and qualities to build a strong team. Building a virtual team takes analyzing every aspect of the project including the people who will work on the project. The team leader is not just managing a project, but leading and coaching highly effective people to produce at their highest level and meet the project objectives. Areas of Concern for Creating a Virtual Team Dr. Ginger Levin (2009), found that the following areas are important to building a high performing virtual team: * Personal...
Words: 1594 - Pages: 7
...Team Strategy Plan Micah Flores MGT/311 March 20, 2014 John Humphries Team Strategy Plan Both in the past and contemporary organizations have used teams in business to change or enhance their operations or production. Although times have changed the beliefs and opinions of the use of teams within the organizational structure of given companies, the debate continues over which situations are best suited for teams to benefit the organization, and the type of team to create for a given company. Strategies for the creation of teams in business vary, and each has its own strengths and weaknesses. The key for any organization in the implementation of teams is to evaluate which type of team will successfully enhance the organization in accordance with the type of work and employees to perform that work. As a superintendent for Riordan Manufacturing, Inc., I will work to determine the most beneficial type of team to maximize production of the newly designed custom heart valves at the Pontiac, MI location. There are various strategies in the formation of teams for business purposes. One such strategy is known as the problem-solving team. Teams constructed and labeled as problem-solving are usually informal in nature and do not accomplish much in the grand scheme of things organizationally. They are usually comprised of no more than 12 employees, most likely at the same pay level and from the same department within the company. The meetings between members of problem-solving...
Words: 1346 - Pages: 6
...Virtual Teams and Managing Conflict. Name of the Author: Name of the Professor: Name of the Institution: Date of Submission: According to Duarte and Snyder (1999) “virtual teams operate without the physical limitations of distance, time, and organizational boundaries. They use electronic collaborations technologies and other techniques to lower travel and facility costs, reduce project schedules, and improve decision making time and communication (p.4)“. Virtual teams mean people who are geographically separated, and work together across borders. They are connected by modern technologies of computers. Internet has transformed most economies and workplaces into modern economies and workplaces. Many organizations are abandoning conventional face to face working teams for virtual teams. Most organizations are embracing technological revolutions. This enhances them to be more dynamic and adopt innovative approaches in their procedures. The ability of the work team to incorporate technology has led to success in most organizations. Well known international companies such as, IBM, Whirlpool, Hewlett-Packard, Ford Motor, Johnson and Johnson and Verifone have successfully implemented virtual teams. (Kiser, 1999; Stough, 2000). The rapid worldwide growth of virtual teams has been attributed by increased inter organizational co-operation, rapid pace of globalization and other benefits associated with its implementation. This includes the ability of the employees to work for...
Words: 1316 - Pages: 6
...Issues in Business, Management and Education 2013 Virtual teams: opportunities and challenges for e-leaders Snellman Carita Liliana* a Metropolia University of Applied Sciences, Business, Leiritie 1, Vantaa 01600, Finland Abstract In the globalized world with crucial technological changes, leaders are facing unforeseen opportunities as well as challenges while striving to reach their objectives. Such changes have led to organizational restructurings and implied rethinking of leadership functions and practices. Changing organizational structures, from traditional hierarchical towards lower and more flexible ones, have made leaders organize work in new ways. Teams account for one new way of organizing work and reaching organizational goals. Likewise, globalized markets have made leaders search for new solutions to meet the needs of customers. In consequence, organizations strive for competitive advantages through downsizing, subcontracting, joint ventures, strategic alliances, and other collaborative and network-based alternatives which are typically facilitated by virtual teams. Virtual teams are geographically and organizationally dispersed teams that function over time zones. Due to such dispersion, physical contact in virtual teams is reduced or lacking altogether which means that collaboration is enabled by IT-solutions such as computerbased communication. This kind of electronically facilitated team work is known to imply opportunities as well as challenges...
Words: 7168 - Pages: 29
