How to unravel the critical factors for running global virtual teams

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings The article aimed to identify and rank the critical success factors for global virtual teams in the UK IT sector and to understand their cause and effect relationships. The major results indicated that communication was the most important factor, followed by effective team leadership and overcoming perceived and temporal distances. Empowerment was found to be the least important factor. Takeaway advice for managers includes encouragement to enhance communication channels and to wholeheartedly develop leadership skills to effectively manage diverse virtual teams. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives, strategists and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.