BUS FPX 4011 Assessment 4 Virtual Team Development

BUS FPX 4011 Assessment 4 Virtual Team Development

Student Name

Capella University

BUS-FPX4011 Virtual Team Collaboration

Prof. Name:

Date

Executive Summary

Virtual teams offer organizations significant advantages by enabling collaboration among individuals from diverse geographical locations, fostering the inclusion of various perspectives and innovative ideas. However, the effectiveness of virtual teams relies heavily on the technology used. Effective communication within virtual teams typically involves a combination of video conferencing, teleconferencing, emails, and instant messaging tools. These teams develop following Bruce Tuckman’s model of group dynamics—forming, storming, norming, performing, and adjourning. Understanding these phases can help leaders identify and resolve issues, ensuring the team moves through developmental stages effectively and achieves high performance.

Organizational Best Practices for Virtual Team Development

To maximize the productivity and collaboration of virtual teams, organizations should adhere to best practices. Effective communication strategies are vital; leaders should establish clear ground rules regarding the frequency and method of communication early in the team’s formation. Leveraging appropriate technologies, such as Zoom for video conferencing or Slack for instant messaging, ensures streamlined communication tailored to specific needs. Assigning defined roles and responsibilities fosters shared accountability, enabling members to understand their duties and support each other’s success. Furthermore, creating a team charter at the outset helps clarify expectations and align goals, setting a strong foundation for team cohesion and performance.

Predictable Stages of Virtual Team Development

Bruce Tuckman’s five-stage model outlines the developmental phases of virtual teams:

1. Forming: Initial stage marked by team members’ uncertainty and reliance on leadership for guidance.
2. Storming: Conflict arises as individuals assert themselves, highlighting differences in working styles and personalities.
3. Norming: The team begins to build trust and adopt collaborative problem-solving strategies, resulting in increased cohesion.
4. Performing: The team achieves peak productivity, displaying flexibility and interdependence in achieving goals.
5. Adjourning: As the project concludes, members may experience mixed emotions, emphasizing the need for leadership support and team recognition.

Strategies to Progress Through Developmental Stages

Leadership plays a pivotal role in helping virtual teams navigate these stages:

• During Forming, structured environments and clear goal-setting are essential.
• In Storming, resolving conflicts and providing feedback facilitates progress.
• Norming benefits from encouraging collaboration and offering flexibility.
• Performing thrives with reinforcement of positive behaviors and team achievements.
• In Adjourning, celebrating successes and addressing concerns ensures closure.

BUS FPX 4011 Assessment 4 Virtual Team Development

Recommended Technologies

The success of virtual teams is bolstered by adopting the right technologies at each stage. Tools like Zoom and Slack can support effective communication and collaboration. For example:

• Forming: Video conferencing to establish rapport.
• Storming: Instant messaging for quick conflict resolution.
• Norming: Feedback meetings through video platforms.
• Performing: Email for sharing progress and celebrating wins.
• Adjourning: Virtual gatherings to provide closure.

Virtual Team Development Best Practices

References

Bonebright, D. A. (2010). 40 years of storming: A historical review of Tuckman’s model of small group development. Human Resource Development International, 13(1), 111–120. https://doi.org/10.1080/13678861003589099

Collaborative On-Line Research and Learning. Tuckman’s stages of group development. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.wcupa.edu/coral/tuckmanStagesGroupDelvelopment.aspx

BUS FPX 4011 Assessment 4 Virtual Team Development

Curlee, W., & Gordon, R. L. (2004). Leading through conflict in virtual teams: Study of best practices. Project Management Institute. Retrieved from https://www.pmi.org/learning/library/conflict-virtual-teams-best-practices-8389

Martinelli, R. J., Waddell, J. M., Rahschulte, T. J., Duarte, D. L., & Snyder, N. T. (2018). Virtual team collaboration. Wiley Global Education US.