Teamwork via Information Technology

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Teamwork via Information Technology

• Chapter 12

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IT

• Benefits for teams
• Allows virtual teams to communicate
• Easier access to information
• Increased information processing capability
• Problems too

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Place-Time Model of Social Interaction

• Same Time, Same Place
• Same Time, Different Place
• Different Time, Same Place
• Different Time, Different Place
• Media richness (lean vs. rich)

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Same Time, Same Place

• Face-to-face
• Tend to be more cooperative
• Necessary when
• Group initially forms (establish trust)
• Problem is complex
• Need commitment
• Conflicts need to be resolved
• Predicted by proximity
• Allows nonverbal communication
• Develop rapport (trust)
• Instant feedback.

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Same Time, Different Place

• Examples?
• Problems with physically separated team?
• Loss of informal, casual communication (harder
  to establish new relationships, build cohesion))
• Separation of feedback
• Out-of-the-loop employees (harder to resolve
  conflicts)
• Loss of observational learning.
• Advantages?

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Different Time, Same Place

• Shift workers
• Physical workspace- TMS
• Post It notes
• In and out bins
• Bulletin boards

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Different Place, Different Time

• E-mail communication is a challenge for teams.
  Why?
• How does IT affect social behavior?
• Lack of social norms
• Reduced status/ power differences
• More equal participation
• More rude, impulsive (potential for conflict)
• Takes longer to reach consensus
• Less overall communication
• Riskier decision making
• Studies quality of decisions similar to F-to-F.

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Redesigning the Traditional Workplace to Enhance
Teamwork

• Flexible space
• Mobile desks movable walls
• Huddle rooms
• Cave and commons design
• Flexible furniture
• Personal harbors
• Puppies
• Hoteling
• What is it.
• Advantages?

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Cave and Commons
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Personal Harbors
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Modular Workstations
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Puppies
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How to Build Rapport Among Virtual Team Members?

• Technology
• Skip table 12-2
• Initial face-to-face (sustained- why?)
• All-day videoconference
• Touch base occasionally
• Schmoozing.
• Threats to a virtual teams success?