Motivating Generation Y and Virtual Teams

How can team members remain effective if members cannot engage in face-to-face interactions?Although the concept of global virtual teams has been a relatively new phenomenon, their use by organizations is a growing trend.The growth of globalization and the explosion of new technology have led to a new paradigm-a workplace that has no walls or boundaries.The purpose of the qualitative, descriptive study was to explore the motivational needs of Gen Y virtual team members and their impact in the workplace based on Herzberg's two-factor theory of motivation.The participants consisted of Gen Y members at the Lakeland, Florida.The author used a researcher-developed, written survey as research methodology.The findings of the study revealed that Gen Y cohort placed great importance to both hygiene and motivator factors in their motivational needs.Advancement and personal life were both important to Gen Y participants.Managers must be flexible in their managerial approach to Gen Y workers.