Research Report on Global Virtual Teams (GVTs)

Running head: RESEARCH REPORT ON GVT
Student Name: ..........................
Student ID: .......................
Course: 7011CAL
Assignment Task: Research Report
Report Title: Global Virtual Teams or GVTs
Due date: ..............................
Length: 3090 words
Tutor: .................................

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RESEARCH REPORT ON GVT
Table of Contents
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY.....................................................................................................................3
1. INTRODUCTION...............................................................................................................................4
2. DEFINITION OF GLOBAL VIRTUAL TEAMS..............................................................................4
3. CHARACTERISTICS OF GLOBAL VIRTUAL TEAMS.................................................................5
3.1 Cultural Diversification.................................................................................................................5
3.2 Geographical or Temporary Dispersion........................................................................................5
3.3 Use of Technology for Communication........................................................................................5
4. BENEFITS OF CULTURAL DIVERSIFICATION IN GVT............................................................5
4.1 Technology Oriented.....................................................................................................................5
4.2 Encouragement of Different Languages........................................................................................6
4.3 Higher Productivity........................................................................................................................6
4.4 Availability of Talents...................................................................................................................6
5. PROBLEMS CAUSED BY THE CULTURAL DIVERSIFICATION IN GVT................................6
5.1 Communication..............................................................................................................................7
5.2 Ethnic or Cultural Differences.......................................................................................................8
5.3 Lack of Acceptance of Ideas..........................................................................................................9
5.4 Selection of Media.........................................................................................................................9
5.5 E-Leadership..................................................................................................................................9
6. MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES FOR DEALING WITH THE IDENTIFIED ISSUES................10
6.1 Solution for Communications......................................................................................................10
6.2 Solution for Ethnic or Cultural Differences.................................................................................11
6.3 Solution for Lack of Acceptance of Ideas...................................................................................12

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RESEARCH REPORT ON GVT
6.4 Solution for Selection of Media...................................................................................................12
6.5 Solution for E-Leadership............................................................................................................13
7. CONCLUSION..................................................................................................................................13
References..............................................................................................................................................14

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RESEARCH REPORT ON GVT
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The main aim of this research report is to know about global virtual teams or GVTs for a particular
organization in Australia that has taken the decision to involve global virtual teams in their business.
The most important and relevant examples of this communication technology are electronic mails,
video conferencing service, voice conferencing service and faxes for the purpose of collaboration.
These types of teams are also effective when they work together in various levels of organizations or
asynchronously. The major aim of these types of global virtual teams is to accomplish the similar
objectives and goals and execute the projects with better efficiency. The respective members of these
global virtual teams usually communicate amongst each other with the help of electronic
communications and generally do not meet face to face. The most effective technological applications
that are helpful in this case are the voice over internet protocols. The three characteristics of global
virtual teams are cultural diversity, technology and geographical dispersion. All of these features are
extremely vital for making any team successful in all terms. The major benefits of the global virtual
teams are being technology oriented, having greater availability of talents, encouraging the various
languages from the world and providing higher productivity. However, in spite of having all these
advantages, there are some of the major problems related to the cultural diversification in global
virtual teams. The first problem is the communication, where linguistic barrier and trust and
communication styles create major issues. These three issues are extremely problematic for the team
members as they could not achieve the team goals or objectives. The second important problem of
cultural diversification in GVT is the cultural or ethnic differences. The members might accept team
members having other cultural background and values and hence conflicts could arise. The other three
issues are lack of acceptance of ideas, e-leadership and selection of rich or lean media. These above
mentioned issues could be easily resolved by involving management strategies like technology
inclusion, regular meetings, proper follow ups and good trainings. This report has properly described
the various relevant details regarding the global virtual teams.