Challenges In Managing Virtual Teams

Abstract

Many organizations are taking advantage of the opportunities to utilize new technologies to become more effective and efficient.  One of the newer types of approaches to be used is the “virtual team.”  These are teams that are comprised of members who do not work at the same place or even at the same time.  They may be spread across many time zones and may be located all over the world.  These types of teams are made possible by advances in computer-mediated communication and software that allows people to work collaboratively on projects without being co-located or even working at the same time.  Obviously, managing teams of this sort presents many, and sometimes unique, challenges.  This paper addresses these issues, analyzes them, and offers suggestions for relevant management strategies.