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Virtual vs Face to Face Teams

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Virtual vs Face to Face Teams

Virtual vs Face to Face Teams

More and more organizations today are moving away from the traditional tall hierarchical structure towards a more flexible and team work based structure. Generally speaking, working in teams has proved more efficient and effective than in separate departments, although tall structures are still in operation in many industries depending on their competitive environment. Working in teams helps employees make important decisions on their own, instead of relying on an often delayed response from a superior. This increases productivity and flexibility and helps an organization respond faster to opportunities in the environment.

Teams also consist of employees from across several departments which allow them to work together more cohesively, increasing interdependence toward common goals. Teams have many more advantages over a tall organizational structure, but this essay will focus more on the types of team structures. The two types of teams here are virtual teams and face to face teams. This essay will compare and contrast the benefits received when interacting with these two mediums in a team environment. It will also highlight any shortfalls between the two forms of team structures. The first part of this essay will focus on virtual teams.

Virtual Teams

Wikipedia also terms a virtual team as a Geographically Dispersed Team (GDT) and defines it as a group of individuals who work across time, space, and organizational boundaries with links strengthened by webs of communication technology. They have complementary skills and are committed to a common purpose, have