Managing Virtual Teams

'This comprehensive volume provides excellent coverage of the scholarly landscape for virtual teaming. Ivanaj and Bozon have integrated a variety of research streams and practical techniques that should prove to be very useful for anyone studying or working in virtual teams. The chapter on leadership and conflict management is an especially thoughtful and welcome addition to the literature, given we know less about these arenas, and yet they tend to be critical roadblocks for many teams. I commend the authors on developing an excellent resource!' - Cristina Gibson, University of Western Australia The book Managing Virtual Teams explores the critical elements that must be considered in managing virtual teams in organizations from structural, managerial, and process points-of-view. Based in solid research, the book provides a deep look at the nature of virtual teams and the factors that enable their success. Using a text-analysis method, the book consolidates results from both academic and practitioners' sources about virtual team inputs, processes, and outcomes. It lays out in clear detail the key characteristics of virtual teams and traces their emergence within organizations and research literature. Managing Virtual Teams addresses the particular practices of virtual teams, not only technological-focused but also socio-emotional, including the managerial attitudes required in virtual environments seeking well-performing teams. Incorporating case studies and research results, this book demonstrates how academic research can be used to successfully manage businesses in a virtual context. This book is a valuable contribution with clear guidelines for managerial practice, both for researchers interested in learning about virtual teams and to managers and organizations dealing with the challenges of managing them. Students will also benefit from this book as they learn how to become effective and operational virtual team members, and in future, successful managers.