The climate for creativity in virtual teams

Abstract

Using a naturalistic paradigm, this study explored the key dimensions necessary for a climate for creativity specific to virtual teams, groups of geographically dispersed organizational members who carry out the majority of their activities through information technology. Through maximum variation sampling, thirty-six individuals from nine teams were selected. One semi-structured, telephone interview was conducted with each participant. Team members also completed a background survey. Through grounded theorizing, eleven environmental features that influenced virtual team members' creativity emerged: trust; acceptance of ideas and constructive tension; freedom; challenge; goal clarity; collaboration; sufficient resources and time; management encouragement; information sharing; dedication/commitment; and personal bond. From these identified dimensions, a model was developed which included three components necessary for virtual team creativity — connection, raw materials, and management and team member skills conducive to creativity. Implications for organizations, managers and team leaders, and individual team members are discussed.

Citation

Nemiro, J.E. (2000), "The climate for creativity in virtual teams", Advances in Interdisciplinary Studies of Work Teams (Advances in Interdisciplinary Studies of Work Teams, Vol. 7), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 79-114. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1572-0977(00)07007-2