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Perceived Training Needs for Effective Virtual Teams: An Exploratory Study

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Blurring the Boundaries Through Digital Innovation

Part of the book series: Lecture Notes in Information Systems and Organisation ((LNISO,volume 19))

Abstract

The aim of this exploratory study was to identify the training needs of virtual team members and consequently the role of the HR function in supporting them. We investigated three main aspects: the needs, challenges and benefits associated with the early stages of virtual team membership; the factors likely to influence the effectiveness of virtual teams, with a specific focus on training requirements; the role of the HR function in helping virtual teams to develop the knowledge and skills they require to be effective. Specifically, our research questions were: What are the perceived needs, challenges and benefits experienced in the early stages of virtual collaboration? What training needs are perceived by virtual team members? How can the HR function contribute to making virtual teams more effective? We adopted a qualitative approach based on a model developed by Bal and Gundry, conducting interviews with five members of virtual teams at Nielsen TAM Italy. We present the results and suggest directions for future research.

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Acknowledgments

The authors thank the study participants for their generous contributions and insights and Rosalinda Sinatra for her invaluable assistance.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Educational Human Sciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy

    Cristiano Ghiringhelli & Alessandra Lazazzara

Authors
  1. Cristiano Ghiringhelli
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  2. Alessandra Lazazzara
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Corresponding authors

Correspondence to Cristiano Ghiringhelli or Alessandra Lazazzara .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Management, Sapienza Universitá di Roma, Rome, Italy

    Fabrizio D'Ascenzo

  2. Department of Management and Technology, Bocconi University, Milano, Italy

    Massimo Magni

  3. Department of Human Sciences "R. Massa", University of Milan Bicocca, Milano, Italy

    Alessandra Lazazzara

  4. Faculty of Law, eCampus University, Novedrate, Italy

    Stefano Za

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Ghiringhelli, C., Lazazzara, A. (2016). Perceived Training Needs for Effective Virtual Teams: An Exploratory Study. In: D'Ascenzo, F., Magni, M., Lazazzara, A., Za, S. (eds) Blurring the Boundaries Through Digital Innovation. Lecture Notes in Information Systems and Organisation, vol 19. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-38974-5_3

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