Nothing Special   »   [go: up one dir, main page]

Skip to main content

Advertisement

Log in

Adaptiveness in Virtual Teams: Organisational Challenges and Research Directions

  • Published:
Group Decision and Negotiation Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Computer supported teams are capturing the attention of academics and practitioners as organisations increasingly put them into practice as virtual teams. The practical relevance of current research into computer supported teams could be increased if greater attention is paid to organisational challenges as they form the context within which virtual teamwork takes place. A model of organisational challenges mapped against processes of adaptation is developed to highlight principle factors affecting virtual teams. A sample of current research groups studying computer-supported teams is plotted onto this map to reveal the extent to which current research addresses these contextual factors. From this map insights are distilled with respect to what is known and is not known about virtual teams. This paper concludes with specific research needs in the study of virtual teams.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Subscribe and save

Springer+ Basic
$34.99 /Month
  • Get 10 units per month
  • Download Article/Chapter or eBook
  • 1 Unit = 1 Article or 1 Chapter
  • Cancel anytime
Subscribe now

Buy Now

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Alavi, M., Y. Yoo, and D. R. Vogel. (1997). “Using Information Technology to Add Value to Management Education, ” Academy of Management Journal, 40(6), 1310–1333.

    Google Scholar 

  • Applegate, L. M. (1992). “A Case Study in the Assimilation of Technology Support for Teams, ” in Bostrom, R.P.,R. T. Watson, and S. T. Kinney (eds.), Computer Augmented Teamwork, A Guided Tour. New York: VanNostrand Reinhold.

    Google Scholar 

  • Argyris, C. (1980). “T-Groups for Organisational Effectiveness, ” Harvard Business Review, 57, 115–125.

    Google Scholar 

  • Benbasat, I., and R. W. Zmud. (1999). “Empirical Research in Information Systems: The Practice of Relevance, ” MIS Quarterly, 23(1), 3–16.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bostrom, R. P., R. T. Watson, and D. van Over. (1992). “The Computer-Augmented Teamwork Project, ” in Bostrom, R. P., R. T. Watson, and S. T. Kinney (eds.), Computer Augmented Teamwork, A Guided Tour. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bjørn-Andersen, N., and J. Turner. (1994). “Creating the 21 Century Organisation: The Metamorphosis of Octicon, ” in R. Baskerville (ed.), Transforming Organisations with Information Technology. Amsterdam: North-Holland, 379–394.

    Google Scholar 

  • Charan, R. (1991). “How Networks Reshape Organisations for Results, ” Harvard Business Review, 69(5), 104–115.

    Google Scholar 

  • Child, J. (1988). Organisation: A Guide to Practice and Problems. London: Harper and Row.

    Google Scholar 

  • Connolly, T., L. M. Jessup, and J. S. Valacich. (1990). “Effects of Anonymity and Evaluative Tone on Idea Generation in Computer-Mediated Groups, ” Management Science, 36(6), 689–703.

    Google Scholar 

  • Clement, A. (1994). “Computing at Work: Empowering Action by ‘Low-Level Users', ” Communications of the ACM, 31(1), 53–63.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chidambaram, L., and R. P. Bostrom. (1993). “Evolution of Group Performance Over Time: A Repeated Measures Study of GDSS Effects, ” Journal of Organizational Computing, 3(4), 443–469.

    Google Scholar 

  • Davison, R., and D. R. Vogel. (2000). “Group Support Systems in Hong Kong: An Action Research Project, ” Information Systems Journal, 10(2), 3–20.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dean, D., R. Orwig, and D. R. Vogel. (2000). “Facilitation Methods for Collaborative Modelling Tools, ” Group Decision and Negotiation, 9(2), 109–128.

    Google Scholar 

  • DeSanctis, G., G. W. Dickson, and M. Scott Poole. (1996). “The Dynamics of Teams and Technology: A Field Study of GroupWare in a Network Organisation, ” Proceedings of the Seventh International Conference on Information Systems. Cleveland, OH, 441–442.

  • DeSanctis, G., and M. Scott Poole. (1994). “Capturing the Complexity in Advanced Technology Use: Adaptive Structuration Theory, ” Organisation Science, 5(2), 121–147.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dickson, G. W., M. Scott-Poole, and G. DeSanctis. (1992) “An Overview of GDSS Research Project the SAMM System, ” in Bostrom, R. P., R. T. Watson, and S. T. Kinney (eds.), Computer Augmented Teamwork, A Guided Tour. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold.

    Google Scholar 

  • Drucker, P. (1988). “The Coming of the New Organization, ” Harvard Business Review, 66(1), 45–53.

    Google Scholar 

  • Eden, C., and F. Ackermann. (1992). “Strategy Development and Implementation – The Role of a Group Decision Support System, ” in Bostrom, R. P., R. T. Watson, and S. T. Kinney (eds.), Computer Augmented Teamwork, A Guided Tour. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold.

    Google Scholar 

  • Eom, B. S., and C. K. Lee. (1999). “Virtual Teams: An Information Age Opportunity for Mobilising Hidden Manpower, ” SAM Advanced Management Journal, Spring, 12–15.

  • Ellis, C. A., S. J. Gibbs, and G. L. Rein. (1991). “GroupWare, Some Issues and Experiences, ” Communications of the ACM, 34(1), 38–58.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fulk, J., and G. DeSanctis. (1995). “Electronic Communication for Changing Organisational Forms, ” Organisation Science, 6(4), 337–349.

    Google Scholar 

  • Galbraith, J. (1973). Designing Complex Organisations. London: Addison-Wesley.

    Google Scholar 

  • Giddens, A. (1984). The Constitution of Society. Cambridge: Polity.

    Google Scholar 

  • Grudin, J. (1994). “GroupWare and Social Dynamics: Eight Challenges for Developers, ” Communications of the ACM, 37(1), 93–105.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gopal, A., S. Hayne, P. Licker, C. Pollard, and W. Chin. (1992). “GSS above the Snow Line, ” in Bostrom, R. P., R. T. Watson, and S. T. Kinney (eds.), Computer Augmented Teamwork, A Guided Tour. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gray, P., D. R. Vogel, and R. Beauclair. (1990). “Assessing GDSS Empirical Research, ” European Journal of Operations Research, Spring.

  • Hiltz, S. R. and M. Turoff. (1992). “Virtual Meetings: Computer Conferencing and Distributed Group Support, ” in Bostrom, R. P., R. T. Watson, and S. T. Kinney (eds.), Computer Augmented Teamwork, A Guided Tour. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold, 67–85.

    Google Scholar 

  • Holland, C. P. and G. Lockett. (1997). “Mixed Mode Network Structures: The Strategic Use of Electronic Communication by Organisations, ” Organisation Science, 8(5), 475–488.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jarvenpaa, S., K. Knoll, and D. Leidner. (1998). “Antecedents of Trust in Global Teams, ” Journal of MIS, 14(4), 29–64.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lawrence, P. R. and J. W. Lorsch. (1967). Organisation and Environment. Cambridge: Harvard University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lee, A. S. (1991). “Integrating Positivist and Interpretive Approaches to Organisational Research, ” Organisation Science, 2(4), 342–365.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lipnack, J., and J. Stamps. (1997). Virtual Teams: Reaching Across Space, Time and Organisations with Technology. London: John Wiley and Sons.

    Google Scholar 

  • Madkin, D., S. Cohen, and T. Bikson. (1996). Teams and Technology. Cambrige: Harvard Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Malone, T., and K. Y. Lai. (1992). “Toward Intelligent Tools for Information Sharing and Collaboration, ” in Bostrom, R. P., R. T. Watson, and S. T. Kinney (eds.), Computer Augmented Teamwork, A Guided Tour. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold.

    Google Scholar 

  • Markus, L., and R. Benjamin. (1996). “Change Agentry – The Next IS Frontier, ” MIS Quarterly, 20(4).

  • McLeod, P. L., and J. K. Liker. (1992). “Electronic Meeting Systems: Evidence from a Low Structure Environment, ” Information Systems Research, 3(3), 195–223.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mejias, R., M. Sheppard, D. R. Vogel, and L. Lazaneo. (1997). “Consensus and Perceived Satisfaction Levels: A Cross-Cultural Comparison of GSS and non-GSS Outcomes Within and Between the U.S. and Mexico, ” Journal of MIS, 13(3), 137–161.

    Google Scholar 

  • Morrison, J., M. Morrison, and D. R. Vogel. (1992). “Software to Support Business Teams, ” Group Decision and Negotiation, 1(3), 91–115.

    Google Scholar 

  • Niederman, F., C. M. Beise, and P. M. Beranek. (1996). “Issues and Concerns about Computer-Supported Meetings: The Facilitator's Perspective, ” MIS Quarterly, 20(1), 1–22.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nolan, R., and D. Croson. (1995). Creative Destruction: A Six Stage Process for Transforming the Organisation. Cambridge: Harvard Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nunamaker, J. F. Jr., A. R. Dennis, J. S. Valacich, D. R. Vogel, and J. F. George. (1991). “Electronic Meeting Systems to Support Group Work, ” Communications of the ACM, 34(7), 40–61.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nunamaker, J. F. Jr., A. R. Dennis, J. S. Valacich, and D. R. Vogel. (1991). “Information Technology for Negotiating Groups: Generating Options for Mutual Gain, ” Management Science, 37(10), 1325–1346.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nunamaker, J. F. Jr., R. O. Briggs, D. Mittleman, D. R. Vogel, and P. A. Balthazard. (1997). “Lessons from a Dozen Years of Group Support Systems Research: A Discussion of Lab and Field Findings, ” Journal of MIS, 13(3), 163–207.

    Google Scholar 

  • Olson, G., J. Olson, L. Killey, L. Mack, P. Cornell, and R. Luchetti. (1992). “Flexible Facilities for Electronic Meetings, ” in Bostrom, R. P., R. T. Watson, and S. T. Kinney (eds.), Computer Augmented Teamwork, A Guided Tour. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold.

    Google Scholar 

  • Orlikowski, J. W. (1996). “Evolving with Notes: Organisational Change around GroupWare Technology, ” in Ciborra, C. (ed), GroupWare and Teamwork Invisible Aid or Hindrance? Chichester: Wiley, 23–60.

    Google Scholar 

  • Orlikowski, J. W., J. Yates, K. Okamura, and M. Fujimoto. (1995). “Shaping Electronic Communication: The Metastructuring of Technology Context of Use, ” Organisation Science, 6(4), 423–444.

    Google Scholar 

  • Perin, C. (1998). “Electronic Social Fields in Bureaucracies, ” Communications of the ACM, 34(12), 75–82.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pervan, G. P. (1998). “A Review of Research in Group Support Systems: Leaders, Approaches and Directions, ” Decision Support Systems, 14(2),149–159.

    Google Scholar 

  • Qureshi, S. (1998). “Supporting a Network Way of Working on an Electronic Social Space, ” Group Decision and Negotiation, 7, 399–416.

    Google Scholar 

  • Qureshi, S., I. Bogenrieder, and K. Kumar. (2000). “Managing Participative Diversity in Virtual Teams: Requirement for Collaborative Technology Support, ” Proceedings of the 33rd Hawaii International Conference in Systems Sciences. Los Alamitos, CA: IEEE Computer Society Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Qureshi, S., and D. R. Vogel. (2000). “Adaptive Processes for Achieving Socio-Technical Fit in CSCW Groups, ” in Coakes, E., R. Lloyd-Jones, and D. Willis (eds.), The New Sociotech Graffiti on the Long Wall. London: Springer Verlag.

    Google Scholar 

  • Raman, K. S., and K. K. Wei. (1992). “The GDSS Research Project, ” in Bostrom, R. P., R. T. Watson, and S. T. Kinney (eds.), Computer Augmented Teamwork, A Guided Tour. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schuler, D. (1994). “Community Networks: Building a Participatory Medium, ” Communications of the ACM, 37(1), 39–51.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schmidt, K., and C. Simone. (1996). “Coordination Mechanisms: Towards a Conceptual Foundation of CSCW Systems Design: Computer Supported Cooperative Work, ” The Journal of Collaborative Computing, 5(2–3), 155–200.

    Google Scholar 

  • Simon, H. A. (1976). Administrative Behaviour. London: Macmillan.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sproull, L., and S. Kiesler. (1991). Connections, New Ways of Working in the Networked Organisation. Cambridge: The MIT Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vogel, D. R., and J. F. Nunamaker Jr. (1990). “Group Decision Support System Impact: Multi-Methodological Exploration, ” Information and Management, 18, 15–28.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vreede, G. J. de, and H. de Bruijn. (1999). “Exploring the Boundaries of Successful GSS Application: Supporting Inter-Organizational Policy Networks, ” DataBase, 30(3–4), 111–131.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vreede, G. J. de. (1998). “Collaborative Support for Design: Animated Electronic Meetings, ” Journal of Management Information Systems, 14(3), 141–164.

    Google Scholar 

  • Watson, R., T. Ho, and K. Raman. (1994). “Culture: A Forth Dimension of Group Support Research, ” Communications of the ACM, 37(10), 44–55.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wilber, S., and J. Dollimore. (1992). “The Cosmos Laboratory, ” in Bostrom, R. P., R. T. Watson, and S. T. Kinney(eds.), Computer Augmented Teamwork, A Guided Tour. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold.

    Google Scholar 

  • Yap, A. Y., and N. Bjørn-Andersen. (1998). “Energizing the Nexus of Corporate Knowledge: A Portal Towards the Virtual Organisation, ” Proceedings of the Ninth International Conference on Information Systems. Helsinki, Finland.

  • Zigurs, I., and B. Buckland. (1998). “A Theory of Task/Technology Fit and Group Support Systems Effectiveness, ” MIS Quarterly, 22(3), 313–334.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zigurs, I., M. Scott Poole, and G. DeSanctis. (1988). “A Study of Influence in Computer-Mediated Group Decision Making, ” MIS Quarterly, 12(4), 625–644.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zigurs, I., and S. Qureshi. (2001). “Managing the Extended Enterprise, Creating Value from Virtual Spaces, ” in Dickson, G. W., and G. DeSanctis. (eds). Information Technology and the Future Enterprise: New Models for Managers. New York: Prentice-Hall.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zuboff, S. (1988). In the Age of the Smart Machine. London: Basic Books.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Qureshi, S., Vogel, D. Adaptiveness in Virtual Teams: Organisational Challenges and Research Directions. Group Decision and Negotiation 10, 27–46 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1008756811139

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1008756811139

Navigation