Virtual Team Management Framework: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Virtual teams (VTs) are groups of people who work interdependently towards a common goal across geographical, temporal, and organizational boundaries, using technology to communicate and collaborate. Business competition, globalization, and rapid advancement in information and communication technology have propelled the growing prevalence of VTs. In addition, virtual collaboration allows bringing diverse talents and perspectives regardless of their location. However, cultural diversity and the lack of social interaction between VT members reduce the opportunity for informal communication and can cause conflicts and mistrust. The aim of this work is to develop a framework to enhance VT performance opportunities and reduce its setbacks. Based upon a quantitatively validated conceptual model, we developed a “virtual team performance framework” named VTPerF. Consisting of seven principles and seven processes, this framework presents the mechanisms that can help professionals improve VT performance. This framework is validated through a qualitative approach using Delphi method.