A Virtual Team in Action: An Illustration of a Business Development Virtual Team

Abstract

Examined in this chapter are the characteristics of a project-based virtual team. Although there is some empirical research on virtual teams, little research has focused on describing the practical application of a virtual team in the organizational environment. Described in the chapter are the task and goals of the team, how it handled virtual challenges and used information technology to bridge distance, and how it functioned within its organization. Specifically, the task of the team, team composition, team beliefs, team processes, organizational context, and the effectiveness of the team are described. The chapter is concluded with a summary of characteristics of successful virtual teams.