Application of Collaboration Technology to Manage Diversity in Global Virtual Teams

Abstract

The present global competitive landscape is urging organizations to reach beyond the conventional limits to gain competitive advantage. With the advent of information and communication technologies available, more organizations are forming Global Virtual Teams (GVTs) that promise more advantages and greater flexibility due to their unique ability to transcend the traditional boundaries of time, geographic locations, and organizational constraints. However, managing globally dispersed and culturally diverse GVTs also poses unique challenges to organizations wishing to capitalize on the potential benefits of GVTs. This chapter explores some of the documented challenges faced by GVTs due to diversity, team conflict, and collaboration technology and further argues that organizations will benefit from integrating the ThinkLet-based CE approach to GVT workflow processes. This method is intended to develop predictable patterns of team collaboration that provide a greater sense of structure in the highly uncertain environment where GVTs operate.