Breif: Virtual Teams - Research Paper Example

Virtual Teams Virtual Teams Virtual teams are even recognized as teams that are dispersed geographically and these teams operate without limitations of time, boundaries and space and are linked together with the assistance of technology used for communication. The main benefit derived from such teams is increase in level of productivity. This is because in the case of virtual teams there is lack of traveling and working tenure is not restricted to conventional 9-5 schedule of a work day and the team members are continuously involved in production.

Since virtual teams are geographically separated, organizations of such teams can explore various markets where their team members are located. 2. While looking for members of virtual teams, the HR should look for people who can communicate in an effective manner because in virtual teams there is high amount of communication between team members through internet and telecommunication. Virtual teams should have acquired appropriate technical skills in their field of work and in the field of information technology since there will be heavy contribution of information technology in operations of such teams.

These teams need to be motivated on their own since they will not be in physical contact with other team members. 3. Leaders of virtual teams are using meetings in order to increase the involvement of the members of the team and to help team members connect with each other and to boost team member’s excitement regarding the task at hand (Leidner, 1999, p.10). Leaders of such teams need to make sure that the goal of a meeting is clear to all individuals and the goal is informed to all team members beforehand.

The team leaders even need to ensure that the team members do not deviate from the agenda that is being discussed and attention of all team members is maintained. They need to ensure that all members contribute equally and in a creative manner. 4. Several technological advancements can be used to conduct virtual team meetings and a leader needs to ensure that these tools are used in an appropriate manner. For example; leaders can use threads of electronic discussion in which all team members can contribute their current work arrangements before team members are involved in an audio based conference.

Team members can even inform other team members regarding their own contribution and progress in the project through technological advancements such as work sheets. These spreadsheets can be accompanied with charts and graphs for other members to learn about the team member’s progress. 5. Every leader needs to make sure that their team members are contributing equally as an individual and even as a team member. For this purpose a common discussion thread can be started where all team members report their activities and progress.

Secondly, the contribution of team members can even be determined through their participation in meeting sessions such as their contribution in messaging services and chat channels (Malhotra, 2007, p.66) . They can even ensure that the communication tools are utilized in an effective manner and if any training is required then leaders can help members understand how to use certain communication technology. References Leidner, D. E., Kayworth, T. R., & Mora-Tavarez, M. (1999). Leadership effectiveness in global virtual teams.

Fontainebleau, France: INSEAD. Malhotra, A., Majchrzak, A., & Rosen, B. (2007). Leading Virtual Teams. Academy of Management Perspectives, 21, 1, 60-70.