Factors Influencing The Effectiveness Of International Virtual Teams

Abstract

This article analyses factors influencing the effectiveness of international virtual teamwork by focusing on an example of a team of faculty representing state universities in Russia and the United States. For this international project, faculty worked together to create curriculum and coursework for their students, who would then engage in simulated virtual teams. The team included professors who have extensive expertise in the area of international work, leadership, business communications, sustainability and technology. Professors from each university were paired to undertake the development and teaching of each course according to expertise. Specifically, the process developed for this level of collaboration will be shared in detail. By design, this curriculum provides the necessary skills for international students to be able to work in businesses, schools, or government in areas that will require in-depth knowledge of culture, business etiquette, and communication. The curriculum development resulted in four distinct courses, but this article will focus on the design and implementation of only one – Cross Cultural Business Communication – as it is the foundation course and the first one piloted by the universities. It discusses opportunities for working virtually, defines possible barriers to international teaming, and offers recommendations. The findings from this case study may be useful for a wide audience - instructors, faculty members, administrators, businesspersons - interested in learning the best international practices in the field of international virtual teamwork.