Using intranets to make virtual teams effective

Abstract

Purpose -The purpose of this paper is to improve the chances of success of a virtual team. Design/methodology/approach -The paper is a review of the formation, problems, and opportunities in setting up a virtual team. Findings -The paper finds that the biggest problem concerns that of getting people to work together using a common language and having common goals. There are also issues with keeping a team on track. Key to solving many of these problems is the appropriate use of the new information and communication technologies. Practical implications -In this paper, it is shown that installing groupware supplies some of the answers. Alongside this, there is a need for benchmarks, measures, and clear visions of what is expected. Continuous feedback is required, to update and keep all members within the loop. Originality/value -The paper shows a fresh roundup of making the most of the intranet for successful teams who are in different locations

Knowledge sharing through virtual teams across borders and boundaries

“…This is a problem because knowledge activists cannot act in a coherent and coordinated way if they do not have a continuous real-time flow of information about where they are at and whether or not they are meeting expectations (e.g. Denton 2006). Moreover, the organization's knowledge sharing system is seriously harmed every time one of the key individuals leaves the organization.…”

“…As technology has improved and collaborative software has been developed, virtual teams of members spread across diverse physical locations have become increasingly prominent (Kirkman and Rosen, 1999). Denton (2006) argues that it is the ability of electronic and web-based techniques, which has led to the concept of virtual teams. Cascio and Shurygailo (2003) emphasize that work can now be conducted anytime, anywhere, in real space or through technology hence overcoming the key challenges facing global companies.…”

“…Cascio and Shurygailo (2003) emphasize that work can now be conducted anytime, anywhere, in real space or through technology hence overcoming the key challenges facing global companies. Denton (2006) argues that virtual teams can act in a coherent and coordinated way if they have a continuous real-time flow of information about where they are at and whether or not they are meeting expectations. The intranet, when combined with the proper managerial groundwork, makes it easy for group members to see the results of their work and compare that to where they want to go.…”

How to lead with digital media effectively? A literature-based analysis of media in a E-leadership context

“…It is defined as an internal online network of an organization, which enables remote workers, or people working from home and places other than the organization's location to actively participate. The intranet has become an obligatory part of every large organization (Denton, 2006).…”

Computer-Mediated Group Interaction Processes

“…One explanation refer to the different perceptions of the group members: Webster & Wong (2008) found that local members of teams report different perceptions of local and remote members -More positive perceptions of their local than their remote members; Pissarra & Jesuino (2005) claimed that anonymity generated more satisfaction among the group members; Staples & Webster (2007) suggested that differential outcomes for traditional and technology-supported virtual teams evolve from selfefficacy differences; Another explanation refer to the different setting of the computer-mediated groups, such as frequency and distance (Cramton & Webber, 1999), lack of feedback and information about team processes (Geister, Konradt & Hertel, 2006), the difficulty in sharing information (Thompson & Coovert, 2003) and the distance communication tools as a limiting technology (Straus & McGrath, 1994). In terms of group outcome measures, researchers consent that groups using face-to-face channel outperform groups using computer mediated communication (Barkhi, Jacob & Pirkul, 1999, Denton, 2006Potter & Balthazard, 2002).…”