Globalization: Global Virtual Teams

Global and Virtual

Global refers to expanding the team membership beyond the boundaries of a co-located team. This physical distance changes the nature of team relationships and contact. Without the physical presence of some team members, one has to find a way to interact and develop trust and build a relationship with team members that they may never see. These interactions vary because of time zone difference and how virtual tools may limit interactions of other team members.

Virtual tools provide different kinds and types of interactions. Some interactions may be limited to text only. Others will allow text and still pictures. More media rich technologies provide for audio and/or video transmission. Each of these mediums has advantages and disadvantages. Each may be separated into synchronous or asynchronous communication.