Globalization

Globalization and technology has immensely impacted leadership in a variety of ways – it has altered how business is conducted and how teams are led so that they enhance the success of organizations. In this realm, it has created new challenges for leaders, not only because of the quickness of access and exchange of information, but also the diversity of teams, and heightened talent pools. It has impacted how leaders and managers communicate with employees and how they attempt to ensure knowledge sharing.

Gibson (2013), referred to knowledge sharing as a vital component of team success, especially virtual teams, as it has been directly linked to the performance of virtual teams. Gibson identified knowledge sharing as one of the challenges that could be quite encompassing for leaders.

In any successful relationship, personal or professional, trust must exist. It is this trust which provides members with a comfort level to be vulnerable to the limitations of their knowledge (Robert, Denis & Hung, 2009). Trust also encourages others to accept that the information is exchanged is reliable and valid. In this regard, leaders in a virtual environment would have to commit more time to encourage the exchange of information first by enhancing team trust. Gibson (2009) cites a study by Staples and Webster which demonstrated that there is a direct relationship between knowledge sharing and performance. A conclusion could be met then, that the trust and communication will lead to an increase in performance of a team. This process must have active involvement, especially in the initial process, of the leader.

Knowledge sharing is a venue through which any team can increase their skill as training, background and experience can be pooled together to achieve organizational goals. As such, virtual leaders will need to ensure they create an environment in which all are comfortable and encouraged to participate in the exchange of knowledge.

Trust is “…the single...