Framework
Virtual teams are dynamic in nature
and usually constructed for a specific
project or they are task-focused
groups
Virtual teams are based on
collaborative principles
Collaboration is the collective work
of two or more individuals with a
sense of shared purpose and
direction.
State-of-the-art technology
communication support
collaboration.
Challenges
•By nature, virtual teams are faced
with several challenges to overcome
for success:
•Distance
•Time
•Technology
•Culture
•Trust
•Leadership
•Social Loafing
Social Loafing
November 3, 2010
Dr. Maureen Ellis & Dr. Eric Kisling
Business and Information Technologies Education
Department
College of Education
http://www.ecu.edu/cs-educ/bite/
Managing Virtual Teams in Online Classes
Higher education offers a training ground and online learning environments enable
students to learn, practice and hone their virtual team skills to be effective workers
in the 21st Century workplace. This presentation will address :
•Challenges inherent in virtual teams and provide insight into Web 2.0 technology
tools which support communication and offer strategies for effectively managing
work process;
•Designing a collaborative environment; creating accountability;
•Commitment to shared goals and values; and
•Developing a cohesive team synergy to alleviate social loafing.
Social Loafing
•Social loafing exists when an
individual exerts less effort while
working on a team than working
alone.
•Driven by situational interpretations.
•In a team effort some individuals take
a “free-ride” and it increases with the
size of the group or team.
•Using the social impact theory, which
essentially says that members of
groups feel less responsible for
behaving appropriately when it comes
to group work; as a result social
loafing occurs.
Context
The nature of organizations have changed; the nature of teams have changed.
Virtual teams allow organizations to meet the challenges faced by operating in a
global marketplace.
Higher education offers a training ground and online learning environments enable
students to learn, practice and hone their team skills to be effective workers in the
21st Century workplace
.
Defining Virtual Teams
Virtual teams have these attributes:
A functioning team
Members are geographically dispersed
The team relies on technology-mediated communications rather than FTF
interactions to accomplish tasks
Virtual teams can cross organizational boundaries, meaning members do not
have to come from the same organization or class
Team members have shared values/common goals
•Social loafing exists when an
individual exerts less effort while
working on a team than working
alone.
•Driven by situational interpretations.
•In a team effort some individuals take
a “free-ride” and it increases with the
size of the group or team.
•Using the social impact theory, which
essentially says that members of
groups feel less responsible for
behaving appropriately when it comes
to group work; as a result social
loafing occurs.
•Individuals may behave differently
because of anonymity of the virtual
team vs. face-to-face interaction. Lack
of responsibility and accountability
play a role in social loafing.
Building a Winning
Team
Select and set up leaders for success;
Establish a common vision for the team;
Create a context for understanding;
Develop common operating procedures
and standards;
Document work process;
Establish clear boundaries – autonomous
collaborative environment;
Set up goals and measurements;
Establishing mechanisms for debriefing,
problem solving and celebration; and
Communicate, communicate,
communicate!
Contact Information:
Thank you for taking time to stop by and learn how you can improve virtual
teams and alleviate social loafing through the use of Web 2.0 technology
tolls in the online classroom.
If you have any questions about integrating any of these tools into your
classroom, please don’t hesitate to contact us:
Drs. Maureen Ellis & Eric Kisling
Business and Information Technologies Education Department
Bate Building
ellism@ecu.edu
kislinge@ecu.edu