Lesson 4: Resolution of Team Divergence

Resolution of Team Divergence

It is a given that there will be disagreement and divergence on what, when, where, how and by whom assignments and tasks should be done on any team. While some view this divergence on the team as negative, others view it as part of healthy team interactions. Some have even stated that if a team never has disagreements and divergence of opinions, it did not function correctly. This view believes that these disagreements lead to robust discussions between team members that allow for everyone to better understand the disagreement and to seek a solution that best addresses the conflict.

One of the purposes of a global virtual (GV) team is to be able to have robust discussions. When done correctly this disagreement results in a stronger, more culturally sensitive product and project outcome. When done incorrectly the disagreement and the resulting discord increases until it paralyzes team actions.

Being able to navigate through disagreements and conflicts is difficult enough in a co-located team. Here one is able to monitor team member's posture, and non-verbal information to determine if the disagreement is working toward a positive outcome or turning toward a debilitating result. On GV teams much of this information is limited or missing entirely. As an international businessman said, "There is a difference when you are looking at someone in the eye in a face-to-face meeting and a virtual meeting." When cultural differences are coupled with the limiting factors of virtual communication technology, it becomes increasingly difficult to navigate through a healthy disagreement or conflict.

This lesson will define several types of conflict and describe how they affect team interactions. In doing so, it will identify potential sources of conflicts on virtual and culturally diverse teams. Finally, it will offer strategies for preventing and resolving conflicts.

Before beginning this lesson...

Please understand the following

1. The statements and comments in this lesson are made regarding national cultures. They are not intended to include all people or sub-groups within a country or culture. They are provided as illustrations from various sources with different countries and culture. While specific counter examples may be found in any country or culture, they are intended as cultural generalizations.

2. This lesson begins with a simulation activity that requires two people to participate and discuss the outcome. It is best if the activity is conducted with an international partner who has not completed the simulation. If that is not possible the simulation could be run with a co-located team member or another individual such as a friend, roommate or spouse.