Virtual teams: a literature review

Ale Ebrahim, N.; Ahmed, S.; Taha , Z. (2009) Virtual teams: a literature review. Australian Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences, 3 (3). pp. 2653-2669. ISSN 1991-8178

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Abstract

In the competitive market , virtual teams represent a growing response to the need for fasting time-to- market, low-cost and rapid solutions to complex organizational problems. Virtual teams enable organizations to pool the talents and expertise of employees and non-employees by eliminating time and space barriers . Nowadays, companies are heavily investing in virtual team to enhance their performance and competitiveness. Despite virtual teams growing prevalence, relatively little is known about this new form of team. Hence the study offers an extensive literature review with definitions o f virtual teams and a structured analysis of the present body of knowledge of virtual teams. First, we distinguish virtual teams from conventional teams , different types of virtual teams to identify where current knowledge applies. Second, we distinguish what is needed for effective virtual team considering the people, process and technology point of view and underlying characteristics of virtual teams and challenges they entail. Finally, we have identified an d extended 12 key factors that need to be considered, and describes a methodology focused on supporting virtual team working, with a new approach that has not been specifically addressed in the existing literature and some guide line for future research extracted.

It	em Type:	A	rticle
Creato	rs:	Ale	Ebrahim, N.(Department of Engineering Design and Manufacture, Faculty of Engineering, University of Malaya ) Ahmed, S.(Department of Engineering Design and Manufacture, Faculty of Engineering, University of Malaya ) Taha , Z.(Department of Engineering Design and Manufacture, Faculty of Engineering, University of Malaya)
Journal or Publication Title:	Australian Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Virtual team, Literature review, Effective virtual team
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General) T Technology > T Technology (General)
Divisions:	Faculty of Engineering
Depositing User:	Mr. Nader Ale Ebrahim
Date Deposited:	14 Oct 2011 09:51
Last Modified:	14 Oct 2011 09:51
URI:	http://eprints.um.edu.my/id/eprint/2178

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