Managing in a Diverse Global Environment

This report covers the problems within virtual working, such as issues arising due to communication issues. Trust is formed largely through face-to-face interaction, and without this it can become difficult to create a good relationship with your co-workers. People can begin to feel isolated in virtual groups, which means it is important to keep staff motivated.

Cultural and behavioural differences can cause problems in global virtual working, therefore it is important to educate staff in cultural differences. However, staff can benefit from virtual working in communication terms as it means that those who are not confident in speaking another language in most circumstances will only need to type.

Technology barriers must be recognised such as richness and interactivity. It is essential that technology is compatible with others in the virtual group, as it may become frustrating if one member cannot contact others. Global working has become more essential in the growing economy as virtual groups allow greater flexibility and a reduction in costs. Reduction in costs would mostly come from travel expenses, as it would be expensive for colleagues to travel across the globe in order to communicate.

Terms of reference

This report aims to advise the Board of directors of the newly formed International Charity, in order to help guide them in the ways of virtual team working. This report will cover the challenges and the findings of virtual working and recommend to the Board the benefits and guidelines of virtual team working. In virtual team working challenges in development and maintenance of the virtual space can occur, this report will advise the board on how to manage such issues.

Introduction/background

The purpose of this report is to discuss the main challenges facing the newly formed International Charity with the development and functioning of global virtual team working in an international environment. In discussing these challenges,...