Virtual Team Management Term Paper

Virtual Team Management

What would be the best way to structure this large virtual team?

Virtual teams are unique in that they possess the ability to transcend typical geographic boundaries. This innate characteristic allows the team to be both more productive and efficient in regards to their overall objectives. With 300 individuals however, the task of effective organization can be daunting. This is particularly true, as each member will only be working 5-10 hours on a volunteer basis. As such the best structure, I believe, would be one that provides specialization of labor. I would first structure the team within similar time zones to ensure efficient communication between the groups. Since each member, on average, will only volunteer for roughly 10 hours, timing is essential. In addition, within the specific time zones, I would create functional teams with specific goals and objectives. This format serves three purposes. For one, the time constraint in terms of volunteer hours is burdensome. To alleviate the time concern, I would want individuals specializing in a specific task within a given time zone. With a predetermined objective the individuals groups will be better able to meet deadlines and be better focused overall. Second, the separation allows the best individuals to work on the tasks in which their skill sets are best suited. This provides for a more effective means of minimizing carbon emissions as the volunteers skills are being used to the maximum benefit of the organization. Third, by separated the groups into time zones, the functional teams can provide better solutions plaguing their particular region. For instance, the team in America may need differing solutions to those in Europe. As such, innovative and thoughtful solutions can be shared and matriculated throughout each time zone. This helps diminish the process of "group think," which stifles innovation and creative solutions (Gomez-Mejia, 2008).

List the three most important issues that you foresee in managing this team. How would you solve these issues?

The three most important issues in regards to managing the virtual team are as follows: 1) Time- Time is vital in regards to the volunteers.As volunteers, these individuals are not getting paid for their efforts. In many instances, it would be safe to assume that many of these individuals have careers, families, or other obligations. Managing the overall team's time therefore is vital to the success of the project. To solve this issue, I would place individuals with specific functional teams, based on time zone. This would allow seamless communication, with clear forms of accountability.

2) Cultural Issues- With over 300 volunteers, conflicts are bound to occur. Conflicts in and of themselves are warranted, and can often benefit the group. However, cultural conflicts could inhibit otherwise strong channels of communication. This is particularly true as the team is virtual. Emails, conference calls, and texts, can all be misinterpreted in a manner that offends another. This is often a direct result of cultural differences. What seems entirely logical to one individual may in fact offend another. As such, cultural sensitivity in regards to communication and overall correspondence is needed. To solve, this issue, basis ground rules regarding communication standards should be established.

3) Structural Issues- with 300 individuals, it may be difficult to have clear channels of communication without being redundant or convoluted. 300 individuals may have 300 differing opinions. In addition, there may be no direct communication channel or hierarchy in which the individuals can follow. To solve, this problem, an organizational chart should be established highlighting each individual's direct report and layers of communication (Kotter, 2002).

What would you do to motivate these individuals so that they continue contributing towards achieving the project goal?

The motivational aspect of the group should not come into question under this circumstance. This is due primarily to the nature of the group's works and their overall desire to conduct the work. Beginning with the latter circumstance, all 300 individuals are volunteers. These individuals are working without compensation. As such, it can be assured, that these individuals are highly motivated by causes that harm the earth, such as carbon emissions. These individuals are already motivated, and thus believe in.....