6.5 Summary

In order to analyse potential challenges in virtual intercultural teamwork there are five specific areas that need attention. These are: team task, team structure, work processes, the workplace and finally the organisational context.

When we consider team work processes and thus the interaction of team members, trust and communication stand out as areas on which to focus. The development and maintenance of trust is of particular concern since there are fewer opportunities for in-person encounters, where trust-building is reinforced considerably. Added to this, other conditions conducive to trust development are also lacking, such as a shared social context, ample time for interaction, as well as common behavioural routines such as information sharing. Communication is also key here because virtuality influences every aspect of this, including the communication channel, and the perceived quality, quantity and frequency of communication. Because virtual communication is very different from a face-to-face meeting, how we communicate requires considerable reflection and rethinking, including the development of specific skills and approaches.

An awareness of the potential challenges that face a virtual intercultural team is an important stepping stone towards developing a negotiated E-culture that suits all parties. Beyond this, being able to integrate and synthesise different work processes and together sketch out a satisfying team culture is a major precondition for successful and enriching teamwork.