An Analysis of Challenges in Managing Global Teams at Wesfarmers Ltd.

This report delves into the challenges of managing global teams within Wesfarmers Ltd., a company with international operations. The assignment begins with an introduction outlining the project's objective, which is to discuss the challenges faced when managing global teams, particularly focusing on Wesfarmers and its global workforce. The scope encompasses the techniques and methods to mitigate these challenges, enhancing team management and alignment. A literature review highlights communication barriers, cultural differences, and time zone discrepancies as significant hurdles. The research employs both qualitative and quantitative methodologies, including interviews with project managers and surveys of employees, to gather primary data. The research questions address the challenges, benefits, and management strategies related to global teams. The report also includes a detailed research design, outlining the processes, sampling techniques, and data collection methods. The conclusion summarizes the findings, emphasizing the importance of addressing these challenges for improved organizational performance and global success. The report also contains a time schedule, references, and a Gantt chart in the appendix.

Business Research
Challenges Managing Global Teams in Wesfarmers Ltd.

Challenges Managing Global Teams in Wesfarmers Ltd. 1

Challenges Managing Global Teams in Wesfarmers Ltd. 2
Table of Contents
Introduction...........................................................................................................................................2
Project objective....................................................................................................................................2
Project Scope.........................................................................................................................................2
Literature review...................................................................................................................................3
Research questions................................................................................................................................4
Research Design and methodology.......................................................................................................5
Qualitative research..........................................................................................................................5
Quantitative research........................................................................................................................6
Research Limitations.............................................................................................................................7
Time schedule (Action Plan)..................................................................................................................8
Conclusion.............................................................................................................................................9
References...........................................................................................................................................10
Appendix.............................................................................................................................................12

Challenges Managing Global Teams in Wesfarmers Ltd. 3
Introduction
The assignment is based on ‘Challenges in managing Global teams in Wesfarmers Ltd.’.
Australia is one such nation which is finely connected with other countries to make better
international presence. Like this, they are able to achieve their goals and objectives and
better satisfaction from customers. But managing global teams is not easy at all. It comes
with lot of challenges and also disrupts the normal operations of the company if not
managed well (Stankiewicz and Ziemiańsk, 2015). The companies have to manage global
teams by setting clear terms, goals and well defined duties. If the local affairs of the
company are well aligned with the global scenario, the company can result in success at the
international front (Schellwies, 2015).
Project objective
The main objective of this research is to discuss about various challenges which the
companies face while managing global teams. The project focuses on Wesfarmers and its
global operations which requires manpower from across the world. The project includes the
recording of the experiences of the store managers or the project managers who handle
employees from various places. They will share their experiences how they face extreme
challenges while managing global teams and what steps they take to meet those challenges.
Project Scope
The scope of the project is wide as it focusses on the global scenario. The challenges while
managing global teams will be focussed upon and it will include the techniques and
methods which will help in neutralising the issues in the management of teams across world
wherever Wesfarmers operates. The study explores the challenges and the solutions to
meet those challenges to make better management and alignment within the teams. It will
help in better performance of the company and will also enhance the challenge meeting
capabilities of the organisation.

Challenges Managing Global Teams in Wesfarmers Ltd. 4
Literature review
According to Lilian (2014), the biggest challenge of managing global teams in Wesfarmers is
having communication barrier because of distances or languages. It is one of the major
challenge which leads to the delay in project delivery and can also lead to the failure of need
fulfilment of customers (Binder, 2016). The members of global teams belong to different
culture and backgrounds which lead to the failure in maintaining a standard platform where
they can communicate smoothly and on the same understanding level. The company adopt
methods like video conferencing or emails for sharing the thoughts and views but it lacks
the effect which face to face communication has (Gibbs and Boyraz, 2015).
As per Brewer (2015), the cultural difference is another challenge because of which the
employees are not able to think at same level. There is a difference in their understanding
level and point of views. It may lead to the formation of subgroups which can lead to
internal politics and conflicts (Collis and Hussey, 2013). Different time zones in country also
affects the deadlines and working hours of the employees which hampers the productivity
of the organisation as a whole (Rodrigues and Sbragia, 2013).
In the opinion of Ferraro and Briody (2017), the project managers can handle the issues of
time and distance by arranging good network systems so that communication could not
become a barriers between teams. Regular meetings are conducted to be aware of the
actions of each team. A standard culture can be established in the system of the company
which is required to be followed by all (Kimble, 2011). It will bring unanimity among the
members of different teams. Shifts can be arranged for work so that all time availability can
be maintained and no disruption occurs in the work (Morgan, Paucar-Caceres and Wright,
2014). There are leadership challenges too as the vocal chords, gestures and facial
expressions plays main role in communicating the ideas and tasks to the team sitting at
various geographical locations (Huang, 2016).
Justification of the research problems
It is very important to have understanding between the teams who works for the same
company so that the flow of work remains smooth and the work is done on time without

Challenges Managing Global Teams in Wesfarmers Ltd. 5
hampering the productivity and performance of the organisation. The research problems
over here is that the project managers have to manage the global teams of Wesfarmers
which work together to maintain its business across the globe wherever it is present (Stan,
2010).
Gaps identified in Literature
There are some gaps which are identified in the literature. It is seen that there is no
technique mentioned which can be used for developing good communication flow among
the teams. The points discussed seems theoretical and no practical implication can be seen
from the same. Real applications are necessary which helps multinational corporations like
Wesfarmers to meet the gap between different teams and to collate the efforts of all.
Research questions
Primary question
What are the challenges of managing global teams in Wesfarmers Ltd.?
Secondary questions
What are the benefits of having global teams in Wesfarmers?
What steps are taken by the managers of Wesfarmers to meet the challenges of managing
global teams?
What techniques are adopted to meet the gaps between the teams working in different
countries?

Challenges Managing Global Teams in Wesfarmers Ltd. 6
Research Design and methodology
This is the major section of the research as it helps to know how research is conducted and
what all sources are taken up in order to collect data for completing the research. It also
helps researcher to develop an action plan according to which research could be completed
within deadline given (Cooper, Schindler & Sun, 2006). Two types of researches are taken
up for getting the conclusion of the research, which are qualitative research and
quantitative research.
Qualitative research
Process of qualitative research
According to this type of research, the research is processed by taking steps one by one. The
first step includes the framing of research problem or questions. The next step is the
collection of relevant data for getting the answers of the questions. The next step is
interpretation of data and considering relevant theories and the last step would be the
findings of the research on the basis of which the recommendations will be given (Mackey
and Gass, 2015).
Reliability and validity approach
These approaches are very significant for considering the quality of the research (Wilson,
2016). Inductive approach is taken up to assess the reliability of the research. The research
is valid as the relevant theories are considered to gather the data and develop the findings
of the research. This shows that the result of the research would be reliable and valid.
Sampling technique and sample size
Sampling refers to the technique of choosing a set of population from the total population
on which research can be conducted to get the results which are considered as the result of
the total population (Panneerselvam, 2014). Non probability sampling is chosen over here
to conduct interviews of 5 project managers of Wesfarmers of different departments. This
type of sampling means that the respondents will be selected on the basis of judgement of
the researcher. Interview will be conducted which will include open ended questions.

Challenges Managing Global Teams in Wesfarmers Ltd. 7
Data collection techniques
Data will be collected with the help of primary sources. It includes interviews and
observations made. It will help in getting fresh data which has never been collected before.
The interview process will provide subjective data to the researcher on the basis of which
the judgements can be made.
Variable specification
There are two variables in the research, one is dependent variable and the other one is
independent variable. The independent variable in this research is challenges of managing
global teams in Wesfarmers and the dependent variable is performance of Wesfarmers and
its teams by meeting the challenges.
Quantitative research
Process of quantitative research
The process of quantitative research is much different than the qualitative research. This
includes development of theory at first and then creating hypothesis so that the relationship
between two variables of the research can be identified. Different research instruments will
be used to collect data in order to answer the research problem. The respondents will be
selected and the data will be collected. Then, this data will be analysed by using various data
analysis techniques. This will help in getting findings which will be used further to provide
recommendations.
Instrument used for research
The research instrument is the tool which is used to collect relevant information for
conducting the research. This information could be gained from the primary as well as
secondary sources. The primary source used is questionnaire which will include 10
questions. These questions will be close ended and will help the researcher to know the
challenges faced by the managers in handling global teams. Secondary sources will be used
to collect data to support primary data. Secondary sources used are books, journals,
websites, articles and more.

Challenges Managing Global Teams in Wesfarmers Ltd. 8
Sampling technique and sample size
The sampling technique which is used to select respondents for the questionnaire is simple
random technique where each individual have an equal chance of being selected. 50
employees of Wesfarmers across the stores of Australia are being surveyed to understand
their point of view for working with the global teams. The sample size is 50.
Reliability and validity of data
The reliability and validity of the research done through quantitative research method will
be maintained by handling the responses of the respondents well. The responses should not
be leaked because it might hamper the actual result of the research. The genuine sources
are used and the secondary literature is referenced in order to prove the authenticity of the
research.
Research Limitations
The research is done but might face some of the limitations. Because of the limited
availability of time and resources, the research is conducted in hurry and by taking small
sample size which might not give [proper results of the research. Also, the responses of the
questionnaire might be biased and not given by being true which could hamper the
authenticity of the research.

Challenges Managing Global Teams in Wesfarmers Ltd. 9
Time schedule (Action Plan)
The time schedule for conducting research in given time in given below:
S. No. Steps of the Research Time taken for research
activities (weeks)
A Research planning 1
B Literature Review 1
C Research methodology and proposal 2
D Data analysis 2
E Conclusion and Recommendations 1
F Final Report Preparation 1
Gantt chart (In appendix)

Challenges Managing Global Teams in Wesfarmers Ltd.
10
Conclusion
It can be concluded that the advent of globalisation has given rise to the work processes
which involves global teams. Global teams work together in organisations because it
provides diversity in thoughts, process and it also covers larger part of the world which
could increases the area covered by the organisation. The research involved the discussion
about the challenges which the companies face in managing global teams. A case of
Wesfarmers is taken which have its operations in various countries and work with different
people to achieve a common goal. The research is conducted by taking up both the
qualitative and quantitative research methods. Data is collected through primary and
secondary sources which includes tools like interviews, survey questionnaire and review of
literature form books, journals and various online websites.

Challenges Managing Global Teams in Wesfarmers Ltd.
11
References
Binder, J., 2016. Global project management: communication, collaboration and
management across borders. Routledge.
Brewer, P.E., 2015. International Virtual Teams: Engineering Global Success. John Wiley &
Sons.
Collis, J. and Hussey, R., 2013. Business research: A practical guide for undergraduate and
postgraduate students. Palgrave macmillan.
Cooper, D.R., Schindler, P.S. and Sun, J., 2006. Business research methods (Vol. 9). New York:
McGraw-Hill Irwin.
Ferraro, G.P. and Briody, E.K., 2017. The Cultural Dimension of Global Business. Taylor &
Francis.
Gibbs, J.L. and Boyraz, M., 2015. International HRM’s role in managing global teams. The
Routledge companion to international human resource management, pp.532-551.
Huang, J., 2016. The challenge of multicultural management in global projects. Procedia-
Social and Behavioral Sciences, 226, pp.75-81.
Kimble, C., 2011. Building effective virtual teams: How to overcome the problems of trust
and identity in virtual teams. Global Business and Organizational Excellence, 30(2), pp.6-15.
Lilian , S.C., 2014. Virtual teams: opportunities and challenges for e-leaders. Procedia -
Social and Behavioral Sciences .110 ( 2014 ) ,pp. 1251 – 1261.
Mackey, A. & Gass, S. M., 2015. Second language research: Methodology and design.
Routledge.
Morgan, L., Paucar-Caceres, A. and Wright, G., 2014. Leading effective global virtual teams:
The consequences of methods of communication. Systemic Practice and Action
Research, 27(6), pp.607-624.