Virtual Teams
Teams whose members pursue a common goal and perform their responsibilities with little or no in-person interaction, collaborating mainly through digital channels.
Key Points
- Members are geographically dispersed and rely on tools like video conferencing, chat, and project software.
- Clear communication rules, availability windows, and response expectations are essential.
- Success depends on defined roles, documented processes, and outcome-based performance measures.
- Account for time zones, culture, and language differences; plan intentional team-building.
Example
A global project has a PM in the US, developers in India, and QA in Poland. They rarely meet in person, coordinate via weekly video calls, and track work in Jira and Slack. Despite distance, they deliver features on schedule using clear protocols and shared dashboards.
PMP Example Question
A project manager leads contributors in multiple countries who seldom meet face to face and collaborate primarily through online platforms. What type of team is this?
- Co-located team
- Virtual team
- Balanced matrix
- Functional organization
Correct Answer: B — Virtual team
Explanation: A virtual team works toward shared objectives with minimal or no in-person interaction, using digital tools to coordinate work.