Structuring Successful Global Virtual Teams

Abstract

The purpose of this chapter is to summarize the theoretical and empirical research on global teams and synthesize useful recommendations for organizations seeking to compose global teams. First, we will discuss the characteristics that are likely to exist in what we refer to as global teams (e.g., distribution, multiple cultures, and time zone differences). Second, we will review the Wildman and colleagues (Human Resource Development Review 11:97–129, 2012) framework of team-level characteristics. Theoretical and empirical research on global teams will be described. Additionally, practical recommendations for global team leaders will be made by using the team-level characteristics framework as a basis for the suggestions.