Ad Hoc Virtual Teams: A Multi-disciplinary Framework and a Research Agenda

Abstract

Virtual arrangements are proposed as a way for organizations to face the challenges of the upcoming century and to operate both efficiently and innovatively (Bleecker, 1994; Jarvenpaa & Ives, 1994). Information and communication technologies (ICT) serve as powerful enablers of virtual organizing in the form of various intra- and inter-firm arrangements (Knoll & Jarvenpaa, 1995). Among other emerging arrangements, virtual teams, both within and across organizations, are relatively recent phenomena brought about in part by the emergence of technologies such as electronic mail, Internet, groupware and videoconferencing (Barnatt, 1995; Iacono & Weisband, 1997; Lipnack & Stamps, 1997). The reluctance of many workers to relocate for a new job, the global nature of the marketplace, the need to complete projects as quickly as possible, and the need to tap the best brains no matter where they may be, are all examples of drivers of virtual teams within and across organizations (Geber, 1995; Duarte & Snyder, 1999; Lipnack & Stamps, 1997).