Global Virtual Teams and Globalization

SMSU Event Center BC

Global teams, or global virtual teams (GVTs), are geographically dispersed teams working together on different tasks to achieve a common goal. Global teams are fast becoming a part of the professional world lexicon due to increased globalization. Teams are being tasked with projects that stretch their technological capacity and challenge the very ideas of work life balance. To ascertain how GVTs can be their most efficient, a group of MBA students at a California University seeks to explain the similarities and differences between GVTs and virtual or cross-cultural teams through a review of empirical literature including meta-analyses. This work will illuminate critical areas of technological and cultural considerations which can enhance or impede motivation and task efficiency and provide insight into the conditions that contribute to the success of GVTs. The team found that GVTs are in need of intensive communication and training for optimal effectiveness.