Training for virtual teams: An investigation of current practices and future needs

Organizations are creating virtual teams at an ever-faster rate. Virtual team leaders and members from distant locations work together and communicate with each other using a variety of information technologies. Results from a survey of 440 training and development professionals identify current organizational training practices aimed at preparing leaders and members for virtual team assignments. Comparing organizations with more effective and less effective virtual team training programs allowed us to identify a set of “best practices.” We offer practical guidance regarding the effective use of training to promote high-quality virtual team performance. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.