Social Ties in Globally Distributed Software Teams: Beyond Face-to-Face Meetings

This article explores the process through which social ties in globally dispersed software development teams are created and renewed. The paper argues that because face-to-face (F2F) meetings and ICT are limited in providing support for the build-up and renewal of social ties in long, complex globally distributed projects, other activities should be introduced before and after F2F meetings. Based on case studies carried out at SAP and LeCroy, and through the examination of activities introduced in these teams before and after F2F meetings, the paper concludes that globally distributed teams (GDTs) should be "re-socialized" to ensure that interpersonal ties do not fade away and collaborative work is not hampered. The article provides an array of activities and communications tools at the individual, group and organizational level for the introduction, build-up and renewal stages of social ties. It concludes by offering managers practical implications and making suggestions for future research.