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BADM – 635 – M22

EXECUTING THE PROJECT

UNIVERSITY OF CUMBERLANDS

Week 3 and 4 Virtual Teams Group Assignment with Individual Submission

09/20/2024
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Introduction to Virtual Teams

With the increase in remote jobs and international projects, virtual teams have become

necessary in the work environment. While individuals used virtual teams in the past for

international collaborations and project completion, it was not until 2020, during the COVID-19

pandemic, that virtual teams emerged out of the need for employees to complete their jobs at

home and limit human contact. This mechanism allows individuals working on a company or

project to meet and communicate electronically to resolve issues and complete activities

(University of Southern California, 2023). Virtual teams are now a communication method

constantly used in organizations due to their value, importance, and positive impact on the work

environment.

Importance of Virtual Teams

The importance of virtual teams has grown significantly in today's interconnected world,

enabling organizations to collaborate across geographic boundaries and time zones. Virtual

teams allow businesses to tap into a global talent pool, enhancing diversity of thought and

innovation (Cascio, 2000). Moreover, they offer cost savings by reducing the need for physical

office space and travel, leading to increased efficiency (Dulebohn & Hoch, 2017). This model

also improves work-life balance for employees, as remote work options often lead to greater job

satisfaction and productivity. When managed effectively, virtual teams are key to a company's

competitiveness and adaptability in the digital.

Values of Virtual Teams

Virtual teams provide significant value to the workplace by offering access to global

talent, enabling companies to hire top candidates from anywhere, which fosters diversity and

innovation. They also generate cost savings by reducing the need for office space and related
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overhead expenses. Flexible work schedules increase employee satisfaction, improving work-life

balance and retention rates (Gilson et al., 2015). Additionally, virtual teams enhance business

continuity and agility, ensuring operations continue smoothly across different locations during

disruptions. Advanced collaboration tools improve communication and real-time connectivity,

making global teamwork more efficient. Virtual teams promote inclusivity by accommodating

employees with different needs and preferences. However, challenges like communication

barriers and managing time zone differences must be addressed to fully capitalize on these

benefits.

Positive Impacts in Virtual Teams. The benefits of virtual teams for project execution

are that they improve team performance and company success. Companies can hire people with

special skills and experience that might not be available in their area when they have access to

individuals worldwide (Mysirlaki & Paraskeva, 2020). Because team members come from

different backgrounds, they bring new ideas and ways to solve problems, strengthening the team.

When different points of view are considered, creative and useful methods can be found to

improve projects. Virtual teams are flexible because people can work from different places and

time zones. Chores and conversations can be done anytime, boosting productivity and speeding

up project completion.

Asynchronous working lets teams handle different ways of working and personal

obligations, making employees happier and more engaged (Mysirlaki & Paraskeva, 2020). When

team members are happy with their work, they are more likely to be committed and driven to do

their best. Firms can also save cash by using virtual teams. By cutting down on office costs and

space, businesses may be able to handle their resources better. Because they are making more
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money, businesses can invest more in technology and professional development, which helps

them complete projects better and do better overall.

Conclusion

In conclusion, virtual teams have become essential for organizations to complete work

remotely, hire people internationally, and have employment flexibility. Virtual teams have

improved how individuals complete their work because it allows for constant communication

between employees to get into an agreement. Now having virtual teams has become a norm in

organizations because employees value time at home and work flexibility.

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References

Cascio, W. F. (2000). Managing a virtual workplace. *Academy of Management Perspectives*,

*14*(3),81-90.http://www.communicationcache.com/uploads/1/0/8/8/10887248/

managing_a_virtual_workplace.pdf

Dulebohn, J. H., & Hoch, J. E. (2017). Virtual teams in organizations. *Human Resource

Management Review*,

*27*(4), 569-574. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1053482216300961

Gilson, L. L., Maynard, M. T., Jones Young, N. C., Vartiainen, M., & Hakonen, M. (2015).

Virtual teams research: 10 years, 10 themes, and 10 opportunities. *Journal of Management*,

*41*(5), 1313-1337. https://doi.org/10.1177/0149206315601085

Mysirlaki, S., & Paraskeva, F. (2020). Emotional intelligence and transformational leadership in

virtual teams: Lessons from MMOGs. *Leadership & Organization Development Journal*,

*41*(4), 551-566. https://doi.org/10.1108/LODJ-01-2019-0035

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University of Southern California. (2023, November 17). Organizational psychology: What are

virtual teams? *USC MAPP Online*. https://appliedpsychologydegree.usc.edu/blog/what-are-

virtual-teams-how-to-lead

Lipnack, J., & Stamps, J. (2000). *Virtual teams: People working across boundaries with

technology* (2nd ed.). John Wiley & Sons.

Jarvenpaa, S. L., & Leidner, D. E. (1999). Communication and trust in global virtual teams.

*Organization Science*, *10*(6), 791-815. https://doi.org/10.1287/orsc.10.6.791

Kirkman, B. L., & Mathieu, J. E. (2005). The dimensions and antecedents of team virtuality.

*Journal of Management*, *31*(5), 700-718. https://doi.org/10.1177/0149206305279113