Virtual teams have now become a reality. People across the globe work, collaborate, communicate, play games by teaming up virtually with the help of technology. Companies are expanding globally and telecommuting has become a common phenomenon, leading to the increasing importance and necessity of virtual teams. Members of the team are connected virtually through technology, thanks to mobile phones, internet connectivity, wi-fi, laptops and all the latest gadgets. The professionals no longer need to be collocated and can be situated in any part of the world and still do their jobs with same ease and efficiency. Interestingly employees simultaneously work in multiple virtual teams.
Leading virtual teams is a challenge that managers face. Virtual teams can be complex because of the diversity involved. Cultural difference is something the virtual teams have to understand. There is a fear of social isolation for the people working in virtual teams. In the past the teams were collocated and thus interactions were more effective. Communication in virtual teams may not be as effective as face-to-face. Virtual teams should make an effort to meet once in a while, meeting at the beginning of the project is ideal. For the smooth functioning of such teams, there must be role clarity so that each member of the team is clear about his roles, responsibilities and expectations about his performance.
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Employees in the virtual teams in order to be productive and effective must have good communication skills, emotional intelligence, self-reliance, flexibility, high motivation, morale and reliance. They must have a shared vision and should work towards the common goal. Mutual trust, respect, open culture, cooperation and global perspective play an important role.
The members of virtual teams are usually found to be self motivated and empowered. In fact it is observed that they log in more hours and are highly engaged. It is even said that dispersed teams can be more productive than the collocated ones. Moreover as a result of time differences across the globe, virtual teams are practically at work round the clock, which further makes them productive. Virtual teams offer flexibility as well as diversity. From the employee point of view also, virtual teams do provide flexibility and many times they can work from home which is an added plus point for the employees.
Organizations need to adopt and adapt virtual teams. The previous generations may find it a bit difficult to become accustomed to virtual teams, but millennials seem to be quite comfortable with it.
Virtual teams are gaining popularity in the wake of globalization. They have structure similar to real teams. There is trust and camaraderie amongst the members of virtual teams and such teams do deliver results. Moreover virtual teams also facilitate diverse thinking. Managers need to be poised to manage and lead the virtual teams. They must leverage talent and diversity offered by such teams. In addition to the technology, the success of virtual teams also depends on the leadership, strategy and attitude of its members.
- Dr Sukhada Tambe
(Assistant Prof. HR- DR VN BRIMS)
Also read : DO WE LEAVE THE ORGANIZATIONS OR THE BOSSES?
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