When teaming virtually, there are many obstacles to consider regarding influence and political processes within virtual teams. Cultural differences can impact perceptions, communication styles, and how team members influence each other. It is important to understand different cultural dimensions such as power distance, uncertainty avoidance, individualism vs. collectivism, masculinity vs. femininity, and long vs. short term orientation to mitigate issues. Organizational culture can also influence virtual team behaviors, so considering structure, decision making processes, and facilitation is crucial for success.

7. Avoid demands, threats, sanctions, and other unwarranted pressures to reduce the possibilities of conflict within the team. Assertiveness Legitimating Sanctions Pressure Upward Appeal Blocking

15. Power Distance: Effects: A team members acceptance, or expectation, of a structured team hierarchy may dictate the assertiveness of that team member. The extent to which the less powerful members of organizations and institutions accept and expect that power is distributed unequally Uncertainty Avoidance: The extent to which a culture programs is members to feel either uncomfortable or comfortable in unstructured situations. Effects: Uncertainty Avoidance: the fear of uncertainty can paralyze a team member, making then incapable of contribution. Absolute risk acceptance can cause rash behavior by a team member to the detriment of the team as a whole. Individualism(vs. collectivism): The degree to which individuals are supposed to look after themselves or remain integrated into group, usually around the family. Effects: Individualism vs. Collectivism: Individualistic views may keep a team member for sharing knowledge that may be critical to the success of the whole. Collectivism may complete a team member to share to much information, clouding the key issues. Masculinity(vs. femininity): Simply, the distribution of emotional roles between genders. Effects: Masculine vs. Feminine: Masculine values may to drive a team to believe that the end justifies the means. The feminine values may keep a team from actually achieving its end goal by getting sidetracked on the process. Long term(vs. short term) orientation: The extent to which a culture programs its members to accept delayed gratification of their material, social, and emotional needs. Effects: Time Orientation: Long term views may minimize team member motivation to complete a project on schedule. Short term views may cause team members to take the shortest route to project completion, regardless of the long-term viability of the project solution.

24. Monica Cecilia Trevor Jeremy Sean How much do you know about other cultures? Take our quiz! http://www.fekids.com/kln/flash/DontGrossOutTheWorld.swf After completing the quiz, please log your results in our thread posted in the General Section of the Db. CHEERS TO A GREAT CLASS!