Question 1. What are the pros and cons of virtual meetings where people interact electronically rather than face to face?
ADVANTAGES
The utilization of electronic communication media in the workplace (such as videoconferencing/teleconferencing) has resulted in the acceleration of information dissemination among employees. Thus, collaboration is facilitated as data can be managed and transmitted effectively and at a fast rate. Additionally, no constraints (in terms of communication) are placed as far as geography, frequency of communication, culture or hierarchy is concerned: Team-members possess the ability to interact immediately and regularly beyond organizational barriers and even located in opposite sides of the globe. As a result, productivity, which is vital to any organization, is significantly enhanced: Projects are completed with increased efficiency and speed, effecting the reduction of costs.
DISADVANTAGES
The major disadvantage of the virtual workplace is the fact that human (emotional), non-verbal contact between team members is diminished. The latter could lead to decreased team spirit, trust and productivity. In addition, high-level, high-cost technological (IT) support is essential, in order for a virtual team to function optimally. And, finally, a factor that can moderately increase costs is the requirement of regular personnel training on proper electronic media usage.
Question 2. How could trust be built in this kind of virtual teams?
Trust is particularly important in virtual teams so that optimum function and a high level of efficiency can be attainable. Numerous methodologies could be employed to build trust:
Discover solutions to compensate for the lack of no-verbal emotional contact, so that the sense of team ...