Question

When is it more beneficial to create a virtual team versus networks versus self-organized team? Please explain in detail.

Answer 1

I believe that self-organized teams hold more value and consideration in this position. In comparison, while virtual teams allow us the ability to select from individuals from all the corners of the world, bringing in a fresh perspective, a broader range of both talent and experience, as well as a higher degree of diversity, which is useful in most situations, however, we need to recognize the fact that a team that is closer to the company's core functions, can execute orders, self manage, self lead and show a cross-functional attitude to problem-solving, would outperform any transient teams in the long run. The consideration lies on the fact that individuals that are a part of the company and closer to its operations have a higher sense of connection, loyalty, and inclination to its goals, meaning that while virtual teams and different networks might be efficient and filled with higher talent quotient, the morale, drive, communication, good interpersonal relationships, and understanding would lead to higher synergy, compensating for both eh lack of diversity and shorter range of talent. We can, however, build a team filled with diverse individuals that complement each other’s functions and since they are self-learning and self-organized, it would only require minimal supervision and help from the supervisors.

With this information, for a creative project like designing a new product, both a network and a virtual team could potentially outperform a self-managed team. For a high stakes project, representing the company’s portfolio, the consideration of higher performance can be placed with the teams that are closest to the company, meaning the self-managed team would outperform in this situation.