Can Absence Make a Team Grow Stronger Essay Example

accessing personal information and files while being able to collaborate with colleagues from different locations.

Demerits of Virtual Teams

Teleconferences are not effective in resolving differences or fostering group identity and solidarity among team members who only interact virtually. Additionally, the community being studied in this research is not as highly specialized as previously assumed, raising questions about the sample's representativeness. If I were to conduct my own informal survey, I would conclude that in-person meetings establish connections that significantly enhance productivity in subsequent virtual engagements. These benefits may be overlooked because our mental perception plays a crucial role in determining our successes or failures (Hause, 2003).

The global community encompasses various traditions and cultural disparities that significantly shape our workplaces and lifestyles. Neglecting these differences can have a detrimental effect on our work environments. For example, in Nordic countries with high internet and mobile phone usage, remote work is often preferred over in-person interaction. Conversely, many African cultures prioritize personal connections and physical engagement rather than virtual communication. The primary focus of the diverse technologies mentioned in the article is to assist virtual teams rather than traditional ones.

Major Implications for application to organizations

To fully benefit from the mentioned advantages, effective management of social dynamics and work procedures is necessary for virtual teams. This can be achieved by relying on videoconferencing and email as the main communication methods. However, there are additional costs associated with virtual teams to ensure success. These include using advanced online discussion rooms, monitoring work progress, and reminding team members of decisions and commitments made. These measures aim to replicate face-to-face interactions

in traditional work environments.

Furthermore, it is important to conduct preliminary research to assess how well the team can adapt to virtual engagements without negatively affecting efficiency and productivity. It's crucial to recognize that some projects may still require face-to-face interaction in academic settings when practical components are involved for a comprehensive understanding of concepts. Therefore, not all projects are suitable for remote work arrangements (Kerr, 2004).

Conclusion

In today's global arena, teamwork is crucial for competition. Instead of striving for personal perfection, a high level of teamwork or collective performance is desired. It is now more important than ever for teams to work and function effectively with minimal supervision. In a team culture, individual members actively participate and showcase their abilities and talent to achieve common goals as a unit.