Formalization and differentiation in virtual teams

Technology is necessary for continuous information sharing among members of a given unit. Virtual teaming help cut costs of transport, improve adoption of best practices. According to Kathryn, Sandra & Paul (2015), virtual teams need to appreciate essential conditions for success, the diverse roles at different levels of the organization, and the role of technology. Organizations need to adopt strategic decisions about the effectiveness of the virtual teams by conceptualizing and integrating its global objectives with its mission and vision statements (LaBrosse, 2008). However, the management should underscore the diversity that comes with operating in the global space. Usually, by effectively communicating positions of each member of the group, members get to understand and appreciate the existing reporting structure in the organization. Besides, it helps compensate for information gaps associated with technology such as mediation, time and distance (Workman, 20015).

The team develops a detailed description of the team and its sub-units including the patterns of behavior and rule to follow when making decisions. An effective virtual team relies on continuous improvement subject to adequate documentation, and communication about the internal operations of the organization within the framework of rules (Kathryn, Sandra & Paul 2015). Formalized work structures help streamline team behavior, determine cultural orientations within teams which eventually lead to improved coordination and task actualization. The most important aspect, though, means that members of the team can communicate beyond the aggression of their diverse cultures. Teams are more productive than an individual working in solitary. Liu, Keller & Shih (2011), coordination and cohesion increases as prospects of more working relationships developed on the premise of differentiation of tasks to engage members intensively.

Team members feel a sense of connection with each other when they can determine with ease the extent to which their team is contributing to the entire organizational growth (Townsend, DeMarie & Hendrickson, 1998). The success of virtual teams depends on the degree of developing trust, commitment among members, which could result in knowledge sharing among members. In order to inspire the control and coordination of activities over large geographical space, team members in different localities need to collaborate through continuous communication. However, collaboration within these teams depends on the level of formalities and differentiation in the organization. By splitting tasks and efficiently allocating resources and authority, employees can deliver results within the envisaged formal policies. Subsequently, the already defined operational policies, rules and procedures help direct actions of team members.