Culturally diverse international teams
A comparative analysis of virtual and face-to-face teamwork
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14267/VEZTUD.2024.03.05Keywords:
intercultural competencies, cultural diversity, virtual teamwork, teamwork dynamics, cross-cultural managementAbstract
This paper delves into the significance of cultural diversity and its implications within virtual and face-to-face project team interactions. In international business and management education, comprehending the differing expression of cultural specialities in these settings and enhancing intercultural competencies adapted to each is extremely important. To gain insights into teamwork dynamics regarding cultural diversity, a project involving 65 bachelor students was designed. The project’s progression was closely monitored, and students provided feedback through two stages, yielding a total of 130 feedback sheets for analysis. The research findings underscored that, in virtual teamwork, cultural diversity is often perceived as a risk factor. In contrast, during the face-to-face round of the project, cultural diversity emerged as a valuable asset, contributing to innovative and creative solutions. Ultimately, this study is a critical resource for educators, project managers, and stakeholders seeking to optimise cross-cultural interactions in virtual and face-to-face settings.
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