Virtual team leadership and implementation in the US Air Force. (1st January 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Minkin, Steven J.
• Is Part Of: International journal of networking and virtual organisations. Volume 10:Number 2(2012)
• Page Start: 169
• Page End: 186
• Publication Date: 2012-01-01
• Subjects: leadership -- virtual teams -- collaboration -- military -- team sponsorship -- United States Air Force -- USAF -- transformation -- team membership -- communication -- teams -- charter; Computer networks -- Periodicals; Information networks -- Periodicals; Virtual corporations -- Periodicals; Electronic commerce -- Periodicals; Management information systems -- Periodicals; Management -- Data processing -- Periodicals; 004.65
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1470-9503

Abstract

One approach to transformation is the use of virtual teams. This qualitative phenomenological study employed a random sampling technique of a United States Air Force (USAF) virtual team for the study's population. Interviews uncovered insights and perceptions of team members as related to the operation, leadership, and collaboration of a virtual team in the USAF. Data revealed 15 themes that may enhance virtual team operation. Virtual teams need a defined purpose and charter to maximise effectiveness. Additionally, virtual teams present unique leadership challenges including having a clearly designated leader, the leader serving as a facilitator, and choosing the appropriate leadership style. Finally, virtual teams provide an avenue to enhance collaboration, but require the proper tools to promote information sharing.