Project management with global virtual teams : challenges and opportunities for small local business

Abstract

With the spread of globalization, the increase in innovative technologies and with the search for means to minimise costs, increase efficiency and improve customer service locally and globally, global virtual teams have become an important reality for businesses. The scope of this qualitative study was to provide knowledge and awareness into the challenges and opportunities that are required to manage a global virtual team within the local business scenario. The research also looked at the essential building blocks that create successful global virtual teams and their integration with local teams. The research about the nature of leading teams within the virtual environments generated a number of ideas such as: the creation of trust, maintaining a sense of motivation in the team, finding the appropriate style of managing global and virtual teams, determining the most effective means of communication, offering training to virtual and local employees, and proper delivery and assessment of employees. The data analysis that was undertaken for this qualitative research study, developed with 2 major themes and 12 sub-themes. The themes emerged as a result of the interviews and lived experiences of the 12 project managers of a virtual environment that were interviewed. The concept of virtual teams and leading virtually is on the rise and organizations will greatly benefit from enhancing a sense of understanding of the complexities of leading virtual teams.