Meta-Analysis of Virtual Teams

Growth in technology has brought the world economy on a single platform which has deeply impacted the working pattern of organizations. It is the increase in usage of internet technology which facilitated the process of bringing individuals across the globe together and forming teams to help them achieve defined tasks. This change in corporate scenarios and shrinking of location barriers has led to the formation of special kinds of teams: virtual teams. The challenge before organizations is to effectively manage these teams because of their negligible physical contact. This research paper attempts to collect and analyze the literature available on the role played by trust in building an effective virtual team. A review of literature presented in the paper deals with the origin and working of virtual teams. This manuscript explores how trust has emerged as an important factor for the appropriate functioning of a virtual team and helps managers and employees in understanding the role of trust in the success of their team. The findings of the study are directed towards benefitting organizations who are involved in planning, developing, and administering programs for the smooth functioning of employees using a virtual paradigm to enhance employee productivity.