Virtual teams are also faced with conflict resolution issues. As teams are made up of
diverse individuals in dynamic settings, the practical issue here is concerned with the
management of conflict. Nevertheless, it is difficult to manage disagreements in virtual
teams compared to face-to-face teams because of the virtual nature of conflict.
Problems that would normally surface and come to the team leader’s attention by the
act of walking around the water cooler or via a casual conversation with a team
member now come to light only if the team leader actively extends communication
opportunities to the members of the virtual team.
When personal relationships in virtual teams begin to sour, it often occurs
‘‘electronically’’ – consequently, the team leader never sees the problem coming
(Zakaria et al., 2004). Virtual team members are dispersed and this often makes it
difficult to communicate personally and directly. In this context, team leaders are
challenged to adjust their leadership styles to meet the needs of virtual teams. This
may be especially challenging for traditional leaders who are more comfortable and
familiar with face-to-face meetings and exercising stricter control over the activities
and productivity of team members. Virtual team leaders need to schedule sufficient
time in their day to make the calls, emails and online visits necessary to achieve an
encompassing virtual walk around of the entire team. While conflict within teams is
inevitable, it can be managed. A strong and flexible corporate culture, which
emphasizes openness to fresh ideas and acceptance of differences, can exert a strong
and positive influence in reducing conflict and helping members of a virtual team
attain high levels of success (Paul and McDaniel, 2004).
Virtual teams are also faced with conflict resolution issues. As teams are made up of
diverse individuals in dynamic settings, the practical issue here is concerned with the
management of conflict. Nevertheless, it is difficult to manage disagreements in virtual
teams compared to face-to-face teams because of the virtual nature of conflict.
Problems that would normally surface and come to the team leader’s attention by the
act of walking around the water cooler or via a casual conversation with a team
member now come to light only if the team leader actively extends communication
opportunities to the members of the virtual team.
When personal relationships in virtual teams begin to sour, it often occurs
‘‘electronically’’ – consequently, the team leader never sees the problem coming
(Zakaria et al., 2004). Virtual team members are dispersed and this often makes it
difficult to communicate personally and directly. In this context, team leaders are
challenged to adjust their leadership styles to meet the needs of virtual teams. This
may be especially challenging for traditional leaders who are more comfortable and
familiar with face-to-face meetings and exercising stricter control over the activities
and productivity of team members. Virtual team leaders need to schedule sufficient
time in their day to make the calls, emails and online visits necessary to achieve an
encompassing virtual walk around of the entire team. While conflict within teams is
inevitable, it can be managed. A strong and flexible corporate culture, which
emphasizes openness to fresh ideas and acceptance of differences, can exert a strong
and positive influence in reducing conflict and helping members of a virtual team
attain high levels of success (Paul and McDaniel, 2004).
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