The Role of Leadership in Virtual Teams

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Author(s): Kristi M. Lewis Tyran (Western Washington University, USA)and Craig K. Tyran (Western Washington University, USA)
Copyright: 2008
Pages: 7
Source title: Encyclopedia of E-Collaboration
Source Author(s)/Editor(s): Ned Kock (Texas A&M International University, USA)
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-59904-000-4.ch082

Keywords: E-Collaboration / Information Science Reference / Media & Communications / Social Computing

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Abstract

As globalization and the prevalence of electronic communication technology has become more widespread, organizations are adapting and changing at a rapid pace. Many organizations are using “virtual teams” of people working across space and time as an organizational structure to enhance organizational flexibility and creativity in this changing environment (Duarte & Snyder, 1999; Townsend, DeMarie, & Hendrickson, 1998). As virtual teams become a more popular organizational tool, many researchers have begun to explore ways in which the performance of such teams may be enhanced (Cohen & Gibson, 2003). One aspect of teamwork that has traditionally had an important impact on team performance is team leadership. Leaders often facilitate effective task performance within a team. By assigning tasks to individuals with the skills, knowledge and abilities to perform best, as well as structuring the team to best accomplish its tasks, a leader can greatly increase the effectiveness and efficiency of a team (Hooijberg, Hunt, & Dodge, 1997; McGrath, 1984; O’Connell, Doverspike, & Cober, 2002). In addition to task-focused behaviors, leaders also motivate, coach and mentor team members toward higher levels of performance (Bass, 1985; Conger & Kanungo, 1998).

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