6.2 Introduction

The importance of virtual teamwork cannot be overstated, since it forms the basis of how global business is conducted today. Many people appreciate the variety of people and skills in virtual teams, as well as the learning opportunities and the ability to set their own course. But in order to benefit from virtual teamwork, they need to deal with some key challenges, some of which are unique to working virtually and others which relate to teamwork. Physical separation, whether it be across countries or across offices causes its own challenges. These might be, for example, knowing and accommodating the context in which team members are working, staying updated with what each person is doing, and managing technical issues. Others are more related to working in a team, such as agreeing on work processes, building trust, dealing with misunderstandings, handling the lack of face-to-face interactions and keeping up the team's morale, to name but a few.

Being aware of these challenges and identifying them is a crucial step towards creating a space of shared interaction in which everyone feels accommodated and part of the team, i.e. the creation of an inclusive and productive team culture. Analysing the challenges an intercultural virtual team faces is the goal of this unit.