Virtual Teams Case

Virtual Teams

A group of individuals (who work across time, space, and organizational boundaries) brought together by means of information and telecommunication technology is virtual teams (Horwitz, F., Bravington, D., & Silvis, U. 2006, p. 472). Virtual teams are brought together to accomplish a task or other organizational goals. The members of virtual teams may never meet face-to-face, other than a video teleconference. As with traditional groups, virtual teams have fundamental attributes to success and failure.

Success of Virtual Teams

Virtual teams have fundamental attributes to success and failure. Research confirms there have been numerous studies on the success and failure of virtual teams. According to Earnhardt (2009) studies, conclude successful teams have common attributes: clarifying objectives, technology, and team forming.

Clarifying Objectives

Clarifying the team's objectives, roles, and responsibilities are the main contributing factors for success. Karayaz (2006) maintains communication plays a key part in the effectiveness and success of a virtual team, contributing to clarifying objectives and maintaining task focus. Communication is required and is essential to reduce barriers when working as a virtual team. As with any project team, they must know and understand their purpose.

Technology

Technology provides a means to communicate. Technology improves the ability of a virtual team to complete a task or organizational goal. Chad L., Standing C., and Liu Y. (2008) contend the type of technology contributes very little to team success.

Team Forming

The team forming process plays a significant role in the success of any team, traditional or virtual. Team members may be from any part of the world; therefore, care needs to take place in the formation of teams. Karayaz contends the formation of teams is critical to ensuring tasks or the goals are met, and the synergy of the team is appropriate for the given tasks and goals. A virtual team must have a productive output, the ability to work together and team member (2006).

Failure of Virtual Teams

Success of virtual teams is always the best outcome; however, with success there are always failures. Virtual teams fail due to many factors. According to McCuddy (n.d.) virtual teams fail due to two key human factors - The key factors, communication effectiveness and being deficient in stimulating work.

Overlapping Characteristics of Groups and Virtual Teams

Traditional groups have a formula for success. The key elements that allow for success in the traditional group overlap into virtual teams. The delivery methods may be different; however, every successful team needs management and leadership, a purpose, a means of communicating, stimulating