Connection in Creative Virtual Teams

This paper describes a qualitative study investigating the work environment necessary for virtual teams to be creative. Nine virtual teams, with a total of 36 team members participated. One semi-structured, telephone interview was conducted with each participant. Team members also completed a background survey. Grounded theorizing was used to analyze the data and generate meaning. Connection, defined as the elements that need to be in place for a team to develop and maintain identity and a sense of community, emerged as important to the realization of creativity in virtual teams. Connection was further subdivided into task connection (made up of dedication/commitment, and goal clarity); and interpersonal connection (made up of information sharing, trust, and personal bond)