Introduction:
As global companies are increasing and technology is improving, future leaders and managers need to be prepared to communicate across cultures with their virtual teams. A virtual team is a group of team members that conduct work entirely with the use of technology. To better manage virtual teams, managers need to understand the advantages and limitations of technology, the advantages and limitations of different communication channels, and the strategies to effectively communicate across cultures.
Advantages and limitations of technology:
Managers as well as their virtual teams need to understand both the advantages and limitations of technology to effectively conduct work. The advantages of technology include being able to communicate around the clock, easily, frequently, and with a cheaper cost. Technology lets team members communicate with each other any-time of the day, regardless of the distance that may exist between them. Furthermore, technology makes the world seem like a smaller place. It can help a manager in America contact her virtual team that maybe anywhere in the world any time she wants. In addition, technology helps relieve the hassle of constant business related travelling; this helps lower the costs tremendously. However, managers and their team members must also know the limitations of technology. Technology can be unreliable and unstable at times. Technology is not the same everywhere in the world. In America, we have wireless internet almost everywhere. However, a third world country might not have the same access for its consumers. Furthermore, managers and team members might also face frustration, when they encounter frequent network or technology problems; though, it is very possible to find solutions to face the limitations of technology. For example, a company that relies heavily on technology can hire a technical team