Designing High Performance Virtual Teams

Abstract

In the past several decades, we have seen tremendous advancements in the development of communication technology. Since the invention of the Internet in 1969, there has been rapid development of Internet-based communication tools and technologies. This technology has revolutionized business practices by offering another important and effective channel for communication (Foo & Lim, 1997), and has allowed people to work on projects irrespective of their physical location. One resulting business practice that has been adopted in recent years is virtual teamwork. Virtual teams are groups of individuals who work at interdependent tasks, who share responsibility for outcomes, and who work together from different locations. Recently, the use of teams as fundamental building blocks in organizations is increasing, as is the use of virtual teamwork (Furst, Blackburn & Rosen, 1999). This article identifies the characteristics of high performing virtual teams.