Virtual Team Paradox #1: Physical Presence Is Necessary

It’s no big secret that virtual teams need to meet face-to-face.  As mentioned in an earlier post, a study completed by Dubé and Robey found that the most prevalent contradiction or tension in virtual teams is the necessity for face-to-face presence. There’s something important about corporeality that allows us to relate to each other, which psychologists haven’t yet figured out, but which most companies realize.  Indeed, Stanford researcher Pamela Hinds notes that for many companies regularly scheduling face-to-face visits is actually a key strategy to building their virtual teams.

As beneficial as face-to-face is, schlepping people in from different locations is Continue reading

What’s So Special About Virtual Teams?

If we’re talking purely about their goals and functions…nothing, really.
Like all other teams they are formed to solve a problem, do a project, perform a service, or come up with some answers.  What makes them so  special is that they are able to pool together talent and expertise from anywhere (and sometimes anytime) regardless of geographic location.  Their flexibility and geographic spread allow businesses to be more responsive and competitive, not to mention more economical (Bell & Kozlowski 2002; O’Leary & Mortensen 2010).

The idea sounds brilliant in theory, but with humans being the tricky creatures that we are, it doesn’t always work out as expected.

While technology now easily bridges Continue reading