The current complexity of economic, social, technological and business environments in which modern organizations are inserted have determined new forms of working relationships and configurations. This has in turn triggered numerous studies and comparative analyses about the processes enveloped by these new working patterns. The aim of this study is to explore and analyse how the creative process unfolds in globally distributed teams. Using a qualitative approach, we presented a case study conducted within Volvo 3P projects and more specifically the New Product Development team based in Brazil, which works alongside teams distributed in Sweden, France and India. Our empirical evidence shows that whilst individuals are the core element of the creative process in collocated teams; in globally distributed teams the fundamental foundation of the creative process is the organization.
Globally distributed teams (GDTs) have become essential tools for organisations to expand, quickly adapt and restructure to remain competitive in the current economic climate. The theoretical literature has been discussing the advantages, but also the barriers, limitations and challenges in GDTs’ internal practices and processes. However, scholars have not yet sufficiently examined empirically the implications of cultural differences when teams operate in virtual contexts. To address this gap, this study aims to explore how different cultures interact and stimulate work collaboration in GDTs. Following the acquisition and merger of Volvo and Renault, we conducted a qualitative study of the collaborative work of GDTs located in Brazil, Sweden and France during the creation of Volvo Group’s VM truck. Our results highlight that the interaction of the three involved national cultures led to better collaboration between members of a GDT. Furthermore, as a managerial contribution, this study suggests that culture can be understood as an agent of transformation to facilitate or improve the collaboration process.
Purpose -The purpose of this paper is to call for an in-depth reflection on Weber's research approach based on the notions of adequate causation and objective possibility. Design/methodology/approach -The paper illustrates the main characteristics and premises of the research approach. It further exemplifies its application through a qualitative study that investigates "How" and "Why" knowledge integration occurs in the creative processes of teams spanning over time and space. In so doing, it argues that Weber's epistemology could remain a valid point of reference to shift from the generation of empirical propositions through qualitative research to the quantitative analysis of empirical regularities recurring into a large number of empirical cases. Findings -This paper shows how Weber's research approach could assist researchers in overcoming the dichotomy between rigour and relevance in qualitative research within organization and management studies. Originality/value -The work offers new ways of looking at established ideas within organization and management studies, through new lenses as alternative ways of knowing social phenomena available to scholars, to produce theoretical knowledge relevant for and applicable into practice.
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