Question

Question 3: Identify the major differences between a virtual team and a [non-virtual] team. Discuss how these differences advance the organization or limit its effectiveness.

Answer 1

Answer –

Differences between a virtual team and a [non-virtual] team are shown in below table:

Basis	Virtual Team	Non-Virtual Team
Meaning	Virtual team refers to the group of individual working from different geographical locations on the same goal.	Non-Virtual team is also called traditional team where group of individual work together at same location.
Type of communication channel	These teams rely on communication technology like emails, telephones, video conferencing, etc.	These teams uses direct communicate having face to face interaction with each other.
Organization Structure	Virtual teams support flatter organization structure.	Virtual teams support hierarchical organization structure.
Leadership Style	Leadership style is Democratic and coaching type.	Command and control system is followed.
Selection of Team Members	Team members are selected on the basis of their core competencies in addition to the basic functional skills.	Team members are selected on the basis of their functional skills.

In earlier days mostly non virtual teams are used by organisations. With the technological advancements virtual teams are now used more by organisations. There are various challenges faced by organisations in using virtual teams as there is lack of collaboration, relationships, communications and cultural differences among the employee of virtual teams. There is generally lack of clarity in goals to be achieved, directions to be followed and priorities of work assignments, due to lack of communication and coordination in members of virtual teams. Also, leaders cannot control all the members as one leader cannot be physically present everywhere to supervise each member personally. Thus, it limits the effectiveness of organisation. In order to advance its effectiveness, organisations must use distinct management approach which focuses on building trust, addressing issues, creating good communication channels where members can interact with each other informally, and apply soft skill management amongst the virtual team members.