Read The OD Application For Virtual Teams On Pages 263–264 ✓ Solved

Read The Od Application Virtual Teams On Pages 263 264 Of Our Textb

Read the “OD Application: Virtual Teams” on pages 263-264 of your textbook. Write a brief paper in APA format summarizing the case and addressing the following questions: 1. What do you see as the advantages and disadvantages of virtual meetings? 2. Compare the methods used at GE, P&G, and other companies to promote virtual teams. Visit the websites of HP (search for “Halo”) and Cisco (search for “TelePresence”) to research current information on telepresence technology. Integrate references from at least two different sources to support all conclusions and recommendations, including the textbook as one of the references.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The evolution of workplace collaboration has significantly shifted towards virtual teams, driven by technological advancements and changing organizational needs. The case presented in the textbook (pages 263-264) provides a comprehensive overview of the application of virtual teams within organizations, highlighting their advantages, challenges, and strategic implementations. This paper summarizes the case, evaluates the pros and cons of virtual meetings, compares methods used by leading companies to promote virtual teamwork, and explores current telepresence technologies, specifically focusing on HP’s Halo and Cisco’s TelePresence systems.

Summary of the Case

The case on pages 263-264 discusses how organizations are increasingly leveraging virtual teams to enhance productivity, reduce operational costs, and facilitate flexible work arrangements. Virtual teams comprise geographically dispersed members collaborating through digital communication tools. The case emphasizes the importance of effective technology utilization, leadership, and organizational culture in managing virtual teams successfully. It illustrates how companies like General Electric (GE) and Procter & Gamble (P&G) adopt specific strategies to maintain team cohesion, foster communication, and ensure accountability despite the lack of physical proximity.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Virtual Meetings

Virtual meetings offer several benefits. First, they provide flexibility, allowing team members to participate regardless of geographic location, hence saving time and travel costs (Gibson & Gibbs, 2006). They also enable organizations to tap into a broader talent pool, fostering diversity and innovation. Moreover, virtual meetings can be scheduled more frequently, supporting ongoing collaboration and immediate decision-making (Powell, Piccoli, & Ives, 2004).

However, virtual meetings also present challenges. Technical issues such as connectivity problems can hinder communication and reduce productivity (Cascio & Shurygailo, 2003). The lack of physical presence may impair non-verbal cues, leading to misunderstandings and reduced trust among team members (Malhotra, Majchrzak, & Rosen, 2007). Additionally, virtual meetings can sometimes foster feelings of isolation and diminish team cohesion if not managed effectively (Gibson & Gibbs, 2006).

Methods Used by Companies to Promote Virtual Teams

Organizations like GE and P&G utilize various strategies to foster effective virtual teams. GE emphasizes technological integration, offering employees robust digital communication platforms, along with leadership training focused on virtual team management (Bartlett & Ghoshal, 2002). P&G promotes a culture of trust and accountability, encouraging transparent communication and shared goals among dispersed teams (Friedman, 2005).

Other companies have adopted innovative approaches such as regular virtual team-building activities, structured communication protocols, and the use of high-definition telepresence technologies to simulate face-to-face interactions. Cisco’s TelePresence system, for instance, creates highly realistic virtual meetings that enhance interpersonal connection and collaboration (Cisco, 2022). HP’s Halo system, designed to provide immersive communication experiences, is another example of leveraging cutting-edge technology to facilitate virtual teamwork (HP, 2023).

Current Telepresence Technologies: HP Halo and Cisco TelePresence

Telepresence technology has revolutionized virtual collaboration by offering high-fidelity audiovisual experiences that mimic in-person meetings. Cisco’s TelePresence system provides ultra-high-definition video, spatial audio, and seamless connectivity, enabling participants from different locations to interact as if they are in the same room (Cisco, 2022). This technology improves engagement, reduces miscommunication, and fosters stronger relationships among remote team members.

HP’s Halo system emphasizes immersive experiences through high-resolution displays, spatial audio, and dynamic motion tracking (HP, 2023). It supports multi-user participation in a shared virtual space, making it suitable for executive meetings, product design reviews, and other collaborative activities. Both technologies exemplify how organizations are investing in advanced telepresence solutions to overcome geographical barriers and improve virtual team effectiveness.

Conclusion

The case underscores the strategic importance of virtual teams in contemporary organizations. While virtual meetings provide flexibility and cost savings, they also pose challenges related to communication and cohesion. Companies like GE, P&G, Cisco, and HP employ various methods and technologies to promote effective virtual collaboration, demonstrating the critical role of innovative communication tools such as telepresence systems. As organizations continue to adapt to a digital world, leveraging such technologies will be vital for maintaining competitive advantage and fostering global teamwork.

References

• Bartlett, C. A., & Ghoshal, S. (2002). Managing across borders: The transfer of strategic control. California Management Review, 45(2), 103-124.
• Cascio, W. F., & Shurygailo, S. (2003). E-Leadership and virtual teams. Organizational Dynamics, 31(4), 362-376.
• Cisco. (2022). Cisco TelePresence: Bringing the world into the conference room. Retrieved from https://www.cisco.com
• Friedman, T. L. (2005). The world is flat: A brief history of the twenty-first century. Farrar, Straus and Giroux.
• Gibson, C., & Gibbs, J. (2006). Unpacking the concept of virtuality: The effects of geographic dispersion, electronic dependence, dynamic structure, and national diversity on team innovation. Administrative Science Quarterly, 51(3), 451-495.
• HP. (2023). HP Halo: Enabling immersive virtual communication. Retrieved from https://www.hp.com
• Malhotra, A., Majchrzak, A., & Rosen, B. (2007). Leading virtual teams. Academy of Management Perspectives, 21(1), 60-70.
• Powell, A., Piccoli, G., & Ives, B. (2004). Virtual teams: A review of current literature and directions for future research. Data Base for Advances in Information Systems, 35(1), 6-36.