What are the differences between managing a face-to-face (F2F) team versus one that is virtual?

C:

• Basically the challenges in managing a VT are similar to the barriers described above.

• Managers of VTs may need to be more prescriptive in defining the expectations for the team (although this should be a management practice anytime)

 

H:

• Similarities: goals, objective, team building, stages of team development, some similar barriers, matrix responsibilities (people on team reporting to someone else).

• Differences: Time zones, communication, culture, sharing information, informal learning and communicating, accountability. Global just multiplies the number of factors that can cause difficulty.

 

Why would a company want to deploy a virtual team (VT) vs. a F2F?

C:

• I would think that geography is one of the most common reasons to use a VT.

• If geography is a challenge to the organization in assembling teams of employees to accomplish a purpose, then cost is a reason to work virtually, in order to save travel costs.

H:

• Three main reasons: 1) cost and time 2) expertise is distributed throughout the organization 3) gaining diversity/global perspective.