Technology and Virtual Groups

Technology and Virtual Groups: Working Together Apart

* Virtual Groups

* A small group whose members interact by means of electronic technologies

* Three primary characteristics that make them different from conventional groups

* Members are spread out across multiple locations and/or time zones

* Incorporates members from different cultures speaking multiple languages and having diverse backgrounds.

* Membership is less stable than normal groups

* Virtual groups are made possible due to technology.

* Internet, e-mail, fax, phones, video, and voice mail

* Text only messaging such as e-mail or text messaging/instant messaging

* A positive is that large amounts of information is available to the group

* A negative is that information overload can be easily produced and will create unreasonable expectations

* Also, it is very hard to determine the complete message from a person using text only communications

* Audioconferences

* Voice-Only Technology

* Allows several individuals at different locations to conduct a joint meeting over the telephone or other voice only technology

* Conference calls should be necessary, focused, organized, and short.

* Videoconferences

* Sight and Sound

* Provides non-verbal cues such as facial expression, gestures, posture and eye contact which are a drawback of teleconferencing

* Main drawback is the cost of the equipment required

* Technology has removed the restriction of distance between groups

* Being able to communicate over vast distances removes group members from physical proximity with each other

* What works well in face to face communication may not work well in virtual group communication

* Decision Making: The Quality of the Output

* Virtual groups working under time constraints do not work as well as face to face groups

* Text only technology may slow...