The term, which has become more familiar in the last decade, refers to a group of people working from different locations on the same problem or project. Working in virtual teams has become possible in the computer age, as people are able to communicate information and interact without having to be in the same vicinity.
On the surface, it sounds simple and logical, but underneath the term is a load of possibilities which, to this date, have not been fully exploited; as technology progresses, these are growing by the day.
There are typical applications of virtual teams that we do not think twice about. For example, a virtual team of software developers working on a project from Amman for a client overseas, in partnership with foreign suppliers. Technology has allowed such teams to work collaboratively using e-mail, Internet portals, and telephone systems. They can work together online to collect data, analyse it, and project it on each other's workstations.
Another relatively typical application is to have a team of software and hardware experts collaborate from overseas to remotely download data. The remote installation is done without even having to see the machine where the software is being installed.
There are also virtual teams that push the idea to new levels.
There is the 24-hour clock concept, which involves multiple teams working on the same code or design collaboratively. This means that for example a US programmer will work his day shift, then handover his work to his colleague in say China, who is just beginning his workday. In return, the Chinese colleague works on the software until it is time for him to leave and hands over work to a colleague maybe in Amman, who upon finishing his workday returns it back to the programmer in the US to complete the cycle around the globe. This way, work on the software would be taking place continuously.
In another interesting type of virtual team that is taking shape. A fast food chain with drive-through service in the US is reportedly experimenting with employees who take orders but are not at the same location as the restaurant. They can work from thousands of miles away over the speaker, and convey the order electronically to the people preparing it in the restaurant. The customer cannot even tell that the person talking to him is physically not there. The company is hoping this will improve consistency in customer care and reduce errors in taking orders.
Another amazing application of virtual teams is seen at some organisations that are developing industry standards, like the Project Management Institute (PMI). Volunteers come together from many countries to collaborate on the development and review of important new project management standards. They use an online platform to give structure to their discussions, share work, give assignments, and raise issues. Many standards today are being written and reviewed using virtual teams.
When virtual teams are working on projects, one of the biggest challenges is the lack of face-to-face communication, which traditionally proves most effective. To remedy this situation, a project manager of a virtual team must create a carefully thought over communication plan and review it with team members early in project planning. The plan should cover methods for clearly and openly communicating issues and ways to resolve conflicts among team members or with other stakeholders. The plan should also provide orientation to team members on working with other team members globally and respecting cultural differences. Disciplined regular reporting becomes essential with virtual teams along with building a cooperative spirit.
The potential applications of virtual team seems to be bound only by the human imagination, creativity, innovation, computer savvy, and open-mindedness are the ingredients to make the endeavour successful.
By Ammar W. Mango
© Jordan Times 2006
