The SHRM Foundation sponsored two recent studies on virtual teams. Dr. Ben Rosen of the University of North Carolina led a study on Training for Virtual Teams. Dr. Sumita Raghuram at Fordham University headed research on Human Resource Management in International Virtual Systems.
Key Findings and implications for practice: Training for Virtual Teams
Use of virtual teams is expected to grow; however 80% of respondents reported that top management does not put a high priority on virtual team training. Over 60% of respondents reported that no specific virtual team training was provided, and only 2% responded that “extensive virtual team training” was provided. Within the organizations that did provide some training, 70% of respondents rated the training as ineffective or only slightly effective.
The quality of team leadership is very important to establishing team trust and knowledge sharing.