Virtual Teams

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that the emergence of virtual teams is satisfying the needs of different organizations because of globalization, mergers and acquisitions of companies in different geographical locations. The author points out that, with recent developments in the field of communication technology, traditional teams are being replaced by a virtual teams. The paper defines virtual teams as a collection of people, specifically tailored to the task that needs to be completed, relying on electronic forms of communication to accomplish its goals, across time, space and organizational boundaries. The author states that virtual teams reduce costs, permit the organization to work 24 hours a day and enhances the employment of the best people. The paper stresses that developing a virtual work team is not so different from developing a centrally located team.

From the Paper:

"Virtual teams are supported by both hardware and software. The common hardware that is used includes telephones, computers, modems or network cards, and communication links such as the telephone system and local area networks (internet access). Several kinds of technologies including video conferencing, groupware software, newsgroups, bulletin boards, electronic mail, and intranets can assist in making work coordination for virtual teams relatively simple and highly effective. Desk top video- conferencing in addition to "traditional" video conferencing are now being used."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Fisher, K. and Fisher, M. (1998). The Distributed Mind. New York: American Management Association.
• George, J. A. (1996, November 18). Virtual Best Practice. Teams Magazine, 38- 45.
• Grenier, Raymond and George Metes. (1996) Going Virtual: Moving Your Organization into the 21st Century. Prentice Hall Computer Books.
• Katzenbach, J. and Smith, D. (1993). The Wisdom of Teams. Boston: Harvard Business Press.
• Kiser, Kim. 1999. Working on World Time. Retrieved from the Web September 21, 2006. http://www.virtualteams.com/company/press/world_time.htm

More papers on Virtual Teams:

• Essay # 72390 : "Developing and Implementing Virtual Teams"
• Research Paper # 139790 : "Virtual Teams and Modern Business"
• Term Paper # 149793 : "Assessing the Use of Virtual Teams"
• Research Paper # 25295 : "Virtual Teams Management"

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