Surviving the paradoxes of virtual teamwork

Citation

(2009), "Surviving the paradoxes of virtual teamwork", Human Resource Management International Digest, Vol. 17 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/hrmid.2009.04417dad.005

Surviving the paradoxes of virtual teamwork

Article Type: Abstracts From: Human Resource Management International Digest, Volume 17, Issue 4

Dube L. and , Robey D. Information Systems Journal (USA), January 2009, Vol. 19 No. 1, Start page: 3, No. of pages: 28

Purpose – uses the concept of paradox to identify and analyse the tensions and contradictions experienced by members of virtual teams. Design/methodology/approach – a review of the literature that addresses paradox in organizations and teams is presented. Describes the study which set out to determine what paradoxes are inherent in virtual teamwork, and how virtual teams cope with these paradoxes. Presents an empirical analysis to identify specific paradoxical conditions, as well as strategies, that permit team members to cope with or survive each paradox. Reports the results of a series of interviews with 42 leaders and members of virtual teams in companies in Quebec, Canada, to gather data relevant to paradoxical team working conditions. Findings – the results identified five paradoxes: virtual teams require physical presence; virtual teamwork flexibility is assisted by structure; interdependent work in virtual teams is accomplished by independent contributions from members; task-oriented virtual teamwork succeeds through social interactions; and mistrust is instrumental in establishing trust among virtual team members. Research limitations/implications – future research could investigate ways in which information and communication technology (ICT) can expand the ability of virtual teams to survive the paradoxes. Originality/value – demonstrates the value of using paradoxes as a conceptual lens for viewing virtual teamwork while providing practical guidance to members of virtual teams and their leaders. ISSN: 1350-1917 Reference: 38AC962

Keywords: Teamwork, Working conditions, Group working, Employees, Organizations, Canada, Surveys