Trust in Virtual Teams


Can trust develop in a group whose members are geographically dispersed and have to work together without any face-to-face contact?

Trust can be developed and does exist in virtual teams, but it develops in a different way than in traditional teams.

There are three types of trust. Deterrence-based trust is where team members do what they say because they fear they'll be punished if they don't. Knowledge-based trust develops as members become more familiar with each other. Identification trust emerges where trust is built upon shared values and empathy.

This model was found not to apply to virtual teams...

Unlike face-to-face encounters, virtual trust is either established or destroyed right up front. The first interactions are crucial. So how can you be successful in building trust - like in a community?

1. Begin your interactions with a series of social messages - introducing yourself and providing some background personal information.

2. Set clear roles for each team member so that you can identify with one another - forging the trust relationship.

3. The third hallmark has to do with attitude. Team members must consistently display eagerness, enthusiasm, and an intense action orientation in all their messages.

One pessimist has the potential to undermine an entire virtual team!

Remember, in the virtual world, you never get a second chance to make a first impression!!

The copyright of the article Trust in Virtual Teams in Management/Leadership is owned by Stuart Bourhill. Permission to republish Trust in Virtual Teams in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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