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22 views4 pages

Im Outline

Uploaded by

wafa
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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As a result of research conducted in 2001, Govindarajan and Gupta (2001 cited in Ferrazzi

2014, p2) found that 82% of Global Virtual Teams fell short of their goals and 33% rated

Themselves as largely unsuccessful.

Prepare a report that critically discusses the evidence about why such teams might fail and

The factors that maximise success for a global virtual team.

In answering this question, you should engage with key concepts and research signposted in

Module material and your own extensive reading.

You should also consider the extent to which factors that lead to success with global virtual

are one and the same as those that lead to success for homogenous, ‘traditional’ teams.

Your considerations need to be backed up by extended reading of academic scholarly work

and must not be based upon your opinion.

OUTLINE:

1. Introduction

Definition of Global Virtual Teams (GVTs)

Key findings from Govindarajan and Gupta (2001)

Purpose of the report: To critically examine why GVTs often fail and identify factors that maximize their
success

Brief mention of comparing success factors for GVTs vs. traditional teams

2. Reasons for Failure in Global Virtual Teams

2.1 Communication Barriers

Reliance on asynchronous communication tools (e.g., email, messaging platforms)

Lack of immediate feedback and non-verbal cues in virtual communication

Impact on team cohesion and clarity


2.2 Cultural and Language Differences

Challenges of managing diverse teams with varying cultural backgrounds

Impact of language barriers and differences in work ethics or communication styles

Risk of stereotyping and cultural misunderstandings

2.3 Lack of Trust and Relationship Building

Difficulty in building trust remotely, especially when teams rarely meet in person

How lack of trust can affect collaboration and team motivation

The role of time zone differences in hindering relationship-building

2.4 Technological Challenges

Over-reliance on technology: connectivity issues, technical failures

Lack of access to appropriate tools and technical support

Technological competency gaps among team members

2.5 Leadership and Coordination Difficulties

Challenges in managing distributed teams and coordinating across different time zones

Lack of clear leadership and role definition in virtual settings

Issues with goal alignment and task coordination at a distance

3. Factors Maximizing Success in Global Virtual Teams

3.1 Effective Communication Strategies

Combining synchronous and asynchronous communication methods for clarity

Establishing clear communication protocols and regular updates

Ensuring all team members have a voice despite physical distance


3.2 Cultural Competence and Inclusion

Cross-cultural training to promote understanding and reduce friction

Fostering a culture of inclusion and respect within the team

Addressing cultural barriers proactively through leadership initiatives

3.3 Trust-Building in Virtual Settings

Strategies for building trust in GVTs (e.g., team-building activities, regular check-ins)

Transparency in team goals and tasks to foster mutual trust

Encouraging informal interactions to strengthen team bonds

3.4 Technological Optimization and Support

Using the right technological tools for collaboration (e.g., Zoom, Slack, etc.)

Providing training and support to ensure all members are tech-savvy

Ensuring strong IT infrastructure to avoid interruptions

3.5 Leadership and Coordination

Importance of strong leadership and role clarity in GVTs

Balancing team workloads effectively, especially across time zones

Clear delegation of tasks and accountability within the virtual team structure.

4. Comparison to Traditional Teams

4.1 Similarities in Success Factors

Importance of communication, trust, leadership, and coordination for both GVTs and traditional teams

Cultural awareness as a factor in both settings, though more pronounced in GVTs


4.2 Differences in Team Dynamics

GVTs face unique challenges due to the reliance on technology and distance

Asynchronous communication, limited face-to-face interactions, and time zone differences in GVTs

Traditional teams benefit from physical proximity, which facilitates relationship building and trust

5. Conclusion

Summary of key reasons why GVTs may fail (communication, cultural issues, lack of trust, technology,
and leadership challenges)

Factors that can enhance the success of GVTs (communication strategies, trust-building, cultural
awareness, technological support, leadership)

Brief comparison of success factors between GVTs and traditional teams

Future considerations for improving GVT performance in organizations

This outline ensures that your report addresses both the challenges of GVTs and the strategies for
success, while also making meaningful comparisons with traditional teams.

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