Communication

Communication is paramount in a virtual organization. And because the element of physical presence is absent in the virtual setting, it becomes increasingly important to be aware of the cues we send others through both formal and informal communications.

Technology

Because employees and relevant stakeholders must rely on telephone and various forms of electronic communication in the virtual setting, it is important to not only understand the types of technology used in the virtual environment, but also understand the concept of netiquette. Netiquette is the practice of courtesy and respect in an online environment. Virtual leaders and managers should establish guidelines for courteous communication and conduct to promote a comfortable, efficient, and inclusive online climate.

Conflict Mitigation

In the traditional sense, conflict manifests due to a perceived divergence of interest(s). In a virtual organization where face-to-face communication may not necessarily be the norm, conflict can escalate quickly. Having a communication strategy in place for virtual teams can go a long way in mitigating potential conflict.