D.B.A.  Baker College (Michigan), 2016.
Specialization:  Business administration; Management

Virtual team leaders' perceptions of factors contributing to team success
252 pages. UMI #: 10151436
Citation, Abstract & Full text in ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Database

Virtual teams have become more prevalent over the past decade, and the trend continues to grow. One challenge in 21st-century organizations is to understand effective leadership in a virtual team environment. Given familiarity with conventional leadership styles, not all leaders are prepared to lead virtual teams successfully. Organizations promote people to the role of a virtual team leader based on their success leading a traditional team, which may not qualify one to lead a virtual team. This qualitative study identified perceptions of virtual team leaders concerning requisite skills or management style needed for the leader of a successful virtual team. The study was based on leadership theory and leadership styles. Its purpose was to understand the leadership qualities needed to successfully lead a dispersed workforce, or virtual team. Research questions addressed success factors and best practices as identified by virtual team leaders. Participants were leaders of virtual teams in the technology services industry. Data collection entailed face-to-face, Skype, and/or iPhone FaceTime interviews. Results showed that communication skills, organization skills, technology, and team building are contributing factors to the success of both the virtual team leader and the virtual team as a whole.

• Peggy Houghton, Ph.D., Chair
• Bernice Folz, Ph.D.
• Susan Cathcart, Ph.D.