Managing Virtual Work Teams
                This module is divided into three lessons:
                    >   Lesson One: An Introduction to Virtual Teams 
                    >   Lesson Two: Building a Virtual Team
                    >   Lesson Three: Managing Conflict Virtually 
                                       ©SHRM 2008
                Lesson One: An Introduction to Virtual Teams
                At the end of this lesson, you will be able to: 
                •  Define “virtual team”.
                •  Explain why virtual teams are becoming so common.
                •  Evaluate the challenges and opportunities of leading 
                   virtual teams.
                •  Discuss the competencies and skills required of 
                   virtual team members and their leaders. 
                                       ©SHRM 2008
                    What is a Virtual Team?
                    •   Scholars and practitioners differ on the definition of team and the 
                        degree of virtuality.
                    •   The common factor is the predominant use of technology.
                    •   Definition: An interdependent group of individuals who 
                        predominantly use technology to communicate, collaborate, 
                        share information and coordinate their efforts in order to 
                        accomplish a common work-related objective. 
                                                ©SHRM 2008
                Organizational Opportunities
                Virtual teams:
                •  Enable organizations to adapt more quickly to the global 
                   economy.
                •  Leverage talent.
                •  Increase the diversity of perspectives.
                •  Decrease travel and mandatory relocation.
                •  Improve work-life balance and job satisfaction.
                •  Decrease operating costs.
                                       ©SHRM 2008
                    Team Challenges
                    Manager                                 Team Members
                    •  Tracks and coordinates project       •  Access their manager. 
                       tasks.                               •  Receive formative and 
                    •  Measures performance.                   motivational feedback.
                    •  Gives formative and                  •  Receive information. 
                       motivational feedback.
                    •  Distributes information evenly.      •  Feel trust for team members 
                    •  Builds trust.                           and the manager.
                    •  Understands local issues.            •  Field local challenges of which 
                    •  Senses team member conflicts.           the manager and other team 
                    •  Spots talent.                           members are not aware.
                    •  Communicates without the use         •  Have special talents.
                       of nonverbal cues.                   •  Communicate without the use 
                                                               of nonverbal cues.
                                                ©SHRM 2008