Understanding Diverse Cultures is Imperative for Building Global Virtual Teams
22 Pages Posted: 7 Jan 2014 Last revised: 2 Jul 2014
Date Written: May 10, 2013
Abstract
A global virtual team is a sophisticated system of people who routinely confront cultural differences in a digital environment that is constantly changing. This study argues that understanding cultural differences is imperative for the success of a group of individuals within a team communicating virtually from different locations throughout the world. It is vital that cultural differences are clearly comprehended as they pertain to defining and understanding the role of management, the use of communication technology, expectations about profit and performance goals, the concept of time when planning and scheduling, the assessment of risk, and the definition of reward. This paper defines these critical dimensions for cultural diversity and their impact on the relationships between global virtual team members. The basis for the arguments are dependent upon existing scholarly literature solidified by practical examples of real world individuals experienced within the multi-cultural global business environments.
Keywords: global virtual team, remote access, team building technologies, global, team, virtual
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