Using Technology to Support Distributed Teams: A Work System-Based Study of an Interdisciplinary Team Responding to COVID-19

Abstract

Effective teams are essential to meet the complex and dynamic requirements during pandemic response. This case study analyses the work system of mobileSHIELD, a distributed team developing a diagnostic test in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted interviews with 18 team members to understand how work system design influences the use of technology to support distributed teams. We identified six work system barriers and facilitators. The barriers related to rapidly adopting new technologies and not utilizing features of technologies that support relationships. The facilitators were related to the use of technology to support informal communication, synchronous and asynchronous communication, and mobile technology to improve productivity and collaboration. Our findings indicate technology that is mobile, cloud based, simple and user-friendly can support distributed teams, in particular by improving asynchronous communication. Future research will holistically explore implications for work system design to support interdisciplinary teams responding to societal crises.