VIRTUAL TEAMS

A virtual team is a group of people working together to achieve a common goal even though they are geographically dispersed. The advent of distributed architectures, Internet technology, groupware, and mobile computing have made virtual teams a reality.

A virtual team offers several benefits. It empowers people and reduces overhead (e.g., facilities) and layers of management.

There are three challenges regarding virtual teams. One, it requires a change in managerial philosophy, e.g., using a deliverable-based rather than a task-based management approach. Two, it requires a technical support infrastructure. Three, it requires revisions to long-standing company policies and procedures on topics like insurance coverage or work schedules.

for Using Virtual Teams

• Provide adequate technical support.
• Revise policies and procedures.
• Have a willingness to empower people.
• Create well-defined deliverables and schedules along with meaningful performance criteria.
• Provide for opportunities for team members to congregate from time to time.