This question contains two parts; be sure to answer both. First, define a virtual team and explain some of its benefits. Second, suppose you are the leader of a virtual team that writes test questions for the SAT test. Your team is composed of six members who live and work in three different countries—question writers, question testers, and administrative assistants. What are some of the challenges you might face in leading the team, and what techniques might you use to face those challenges?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Virtual teams work together over time and distance via electronic media to combine effort and achieve common goals. Advocates say that virtual teams are very flexible and efficient because they are driven by information and skills, not by time and location. People with needed information and/or skills can be team members, regardless of where or when they actually do their work. Potential benefits of virtual teams include reduced real estate costs; the ability to leverage diverse knowledge, skills, and experience across geography and time; ability to share knowledge of diverse markets; reduced commuting and travel expenses; and better work-life balance for employees.

Students should explain the challenges they might face in leading their virtual team, and how they might go about facing these challenges.