BUSN630- Virtual Organizations –Week 5 Discussion

From a leadership perspective, what unique challenges exist in a virtual organization, as opposed to traditional bricks-and-mortar organizations, especially as they relate to teamwork? How can these challenges be dealt with successfully? Is change generally easier to implement in a virtual organization rather than in a traditional bricks-and-mortar organization?

In a virtual organization some challenges from a leadership perspective can vary from management styles, language or learning barriers. Having a versatile management style in this type of business can avoid delays in project management and meeting task deadlines. In a traditional business, managers can learn their employees through observation and face to face conversations. This opportunity is not always available in a virtual setting. When operating platforms such as Microsoft Teams, employees are not mandated to use their cameras when communicating. This mode of communication can prevent a leader from fully grasping who the employee is. This can lead to not establishing trust amongst the team (Lojeski, 2010). This can hinder team cohesion and collaboration on future productions or services. In traditional organization team members interact more due to sharing a physical space daily. This is not the case in with a virtual business. Team members often do not interact on a regular basis. Thus, as I stated previously can hinder cohesion. To help build team cohesion outside work activities are necessary. Virtual meet and greets and team building events are some examples of ways to

deal with challenges successfully. Another method can be adding a small group leader within the team to instill confidence and generate good competition.

According to the text, virtualization can make change easier for organizations, including virtual organizations. Technology provides the opportunity to implement change rather quickly than in a traditional sense. New strategies can be tested and feedback in the matter of minutes, then days or weeks later. To be successful an organization must have high performing technology and a quick response team to rectify any issues.

Reference: Lojeski, K.S. (2010). Leading the Virtual Workforce : how great leaders transform organizations in the 21st century. Hoboken, NJ : Wiley