What defines virtual teams?

Virtual teams are defined as groups of individuals who collaborate and work toward shared objectives while being geographically dispersed and primarily communicate through technology such as email, video conferencing, and collaboration software. This structure allows organizations to pool diverse talents and perspectives from different locations, making it easier to form teams that can leverage skills and knowledge from a wider talent pool.

The emphasis lies on the use of technology to facilitate communication and coordination, which enables the team members to work effectively despite being physically apart. The ability to transcend geographical barriers is a key characteristic of virtual teams, making them increasingly popular in today's global economy where flexible work arrangements are common.

On the other hand, teams that meet in person on all occasions imply a traditional setup where physical presence is mandated, which is contrary to the essence of a virtual team. Similarly, teams that consist solely of members from the same department or a group of supervisors who meet weekly do not necessarily indicate virtual collaboration, as these might involve face-to-face interactions and predefined group dynamics that do not rely on technology for engagement and goal achievement. The unique aspect of virtual teams is their reliance on digital communication to connect team members in pursuit of common objectives, which distinguishes them from other configurations of team dynamics.