A guide to global virtual teaming
2007; Emerald Publishing Limited; Volume: 13; Issue: 1/2 Linguagem: Inglês
10.1108/13527590710736725
ISSN1758-6860
AutoresRebecca Gatlin‐Watts, Marsha Carson, Joseph Horton, Lauren Maxwell, Neil Maltby,
Tópico(s)Knowledge Management and Sharing
ResumoPurpose The purpose of this article is to share with readers details of this consortium's multicultural virtual teaming project implementation and the lessons learned from experiences of the participating students and professors. Design/methodology/approach To establish a preliminary relationship, virtual student teams exchange e‐mail messages with team mates at participating universities that provide introductions for each member of the team. Each team member uses these individual introductions to write a brief paper that introduces all team mates. Next, the students virtually interview one another to obtain answers to culture‐specific questions for each culture that is represented on the team. In some courses, this information is analysed using Hofstede's four dimensions of culture: power distance, individualism versus collectivism, uncertainty avoidance, and masculinity versus femininity. Findings Based on participants' experiences in these virtual teaming projects, the following recommendations are presented: emphasise relationship building; solicit widespread input for planning; and balance individual control with shared objectives. Originality/value These cultural virtual teaming projects proved to be valuable learning experiences for both the students and faculty who were involved.
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