Creating a new kind of team
The case for Virtual Networked Teams
Example
Do's and Don'ts for successful Virtual NetworkedTeams
Conclusions

creating a new kind of team

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to work in a teamthat speaks different languages, eats and sleeps at differenttimes, and has different views on the world and getting thingsdone? A Virtual Networked Team [VNT] includes all the abovecharacteristics, born of a blend of different cultures, businessperspectives and motivations and enabled by Knowledge Managementapproaches.

Globalisation, increased competition, shorter time to market andpressure to innovate are some of the drivers for organisations toadopt a knowledge-based culture. One of the consequences of this isthe need to change organisational structures and behaviour:creating VNT's for specific purposes is one way of achieving thenecessary organisational change.
This brief article aims to explore VNT's as a viable form oforganisational structure for enterprises committed to adopting aknowledge-based culture and to provide some hints and tips forestablishing successful VNT's.

the case for Virtual Networked Teams

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Many organisations perceive that they have created virtual teamsjust by installing email and video conferencing systems. These aregreat enablers but less effective on their own. This is because youcannot just email or videoconference anyone or everyone in yourorganisation to start a project. You need the knowledge of who hasthe competencies, who has the experience, and who will fit into theteam (in terms of styles and values, beliefs and behaviours).Whilst improved HR systems can help to identify people with theright skills and competencies, at present they are notsophisticated enough to replace the manager who has a comprehensivenetwork of contacts within the organisation.


A VNT is more than a limited number of people using videoconferencing and email to communicate. Video conferencing is anexcellent tool for explaining and showing how to solve mechanicalproblems, which involve high risk and short time scales, over longdistances. However, softer and more complex problem solvingrequires a higher degree of Knowledge Management and often moreparticipants than video conferencing can support at present.

example

Business Development within Cap Gemini Group is organised byusing VNT's. This can vary from developing a new service (e.g. forE-Commerce, Business Intelligence or Knowledge Management) tointroducing global market…