HR challenge: Managing the risks of a global operation
Despite their clear benefits and growing importance, managing remote, cross-border teams presents management challenges that the corporate world is still learning to tackle. A 2009 Economist Intelligence Unit executive survey reported that one-third of virtual teams are thought to be badly managed.83
There are some obvious practical obstacles in running a virtual team. For example, all the members must feel comfortable using all the various communication technologies. Time differences can also complicate organization and co-ordination.
Human interaction may be less smooth without face-to-face communication. Natural social bonds are more difficult to develop when people only meet virtually. This makes building an environment of trust and cooperation more problematic, resulting in regular misunderstandings. When disagreements do arise, the less frequent contact makes them harder to resolve.