As a result of research conducted in 2001, Govindarajan and Gupta (2001 cited in Ferrazzi
2014, p2) found that 82% of Global Virtual Teams fell short of their goals and 33% rated
Themselves as largely unsuccessful.
Prepare a report that critically discusses the evidence about why such teams might fail and
The factors that maximise success for a global virtual team.
In answering this question, you should engage with key concepts and research signposted in
Module material and your own extensive reading.
You should also consider the extent to which factors that lead to success with global virtual
are one and the same as those that lead to success for homogenous, ‘traditional’ teams.
Your considerations need to be backed up by extended reading of academic scholarly work
and must not be based upon your opinion.
OUTLINE:
1. Introduction
Definition of Global Virtual Teams (GVTs)
Key findings from Govindarajan and Gupta (2001)
Purpose of the report: To critically examine why GVTs often fail and identify factors that maximize their
success
Brief mention of comparing success factors for GVTs vs. traditional teams
2. Reasons for Failure in Global Virtual Teams
2.1 Communication Barriers
Reliance on asynchronous communication tools (e.g., email, messaging platforms)
Lack of immediate feedback and non-verbal cues in virtual communication
Impact on team cohesion and clarity
2.2 Cultural and Language Differences
Challenges of managing diverse teams with varying cultural backgrounds
Impact of language barriers and differences in work ethics or communication styles
Risk of stereotyping and cultural misunderstandings
2.3 Lack of Trust and Relationship Building
Difficulty in building trust remotely, especially when teams rarely meet in person
How lack of trust can affect collaboration and team motivation
The role of time zone differences in hindering relationship-building
2.4 Technological Challenges
Over-reliance on technology: connectivity issues, technical failures
Lack of access to appropriate tools and technical support
Technological competency gaps among team members
2.5 Leadership and Coordination Difficulties
Challenges in managing distributed teams and coordinating across different time zones
Lack of clear leadership and role definition in virtual settings
Issues with goal alignment and task coordination at a distance
3. Factors Maximizing Success in Global Virtual Teams
3.1 Effective Communication Strategies
Combining synchronous and asynchronous communication methods for clarity
Establishing clear communication protocols and regular updates
Ensuring all team members have a voice despite physical distance
3.2 Cultural Competence and Inclusion
Cross-cultural training to promote understanding and reduce friction
Fostering a culture of inclusion and respect within the team
Addressing cultural barriers proactively through leadership initiatives
3.3 Trust-Building in Virtual Settings
Strategies for building trust in GVTs (e.g., team-building activities, regular check-ins)
Transparency in team goals and tasks to foster mutual trust
Encouraging informal interactions to strengthen team bonds
3.4 Technological Optimization and Support
Using the right technological tools for collaboration (e.g., Zoom, Slack, etc.)
Providing training and support to ensure all members are tech-savvy
Ensuring strong IT infrastructure to avoid interruptions
3.5 Leadership and Coordination
Importance of strong leadership and role clarity in GVTs
Balancing team workloads effectively, especially across time zones
Clear delegation of tasks and accountability within the virtual team structure.
4. Comparison to Traditional Teams
4.1 Similarities in Success Factors
Importance of communication, trust, leadership, and coordination for both GVTs and traditional teams
Cultural awareness as a factor in both settings, though more pronounced in GVTs
4.2 Differences in Team Dynamics
GVTs face unique challenges due to the reliance on technology and distance
Asynchronous communication, limited face-to-face interactions, and time zone differences in GVTs
Traditional teams benefit from physical proximity, which facilitates relationship building and trust
5. Conclusion
Summary of key reasons why GVTs may fail (communication, cultural issues, lack of trust, technology,
and leadership challenges)
Factors that can enhance the success of GVTs (communication strategies, trust-building, cultural
awareness, technological support, leadership)
Brief comparison of success factors between GVTs and traditional teams
Future considerations for improving GVT performance in organizations
This outline ensures that your report addresses both the challenges of GVTs and the strategies for
success, while also making meaningful comparisons with traditional teams.
