Question 18

People can work together who might otherwise not be able to collaborate on a work task

An advantage of a virtual team is that it allows individuals from diverse locations to collaborate effectively, enabling participation from members who might not be able to meet in a traditional team setting.

A) Verbal and nonverbal communication cues are easier to understand within a virtual team

This option is incorrect because virtual teams often struggle with communication cues due to the lack of face-to-face interaction, which can make understanding both verbal and nonverbal signals more challenging compared to in-person teams.

B) People can work together who might otherwise not be able to collaborate on a work task

This option is correct as it highlights the primary advantage of virtual teams. They enable collaboration among individuals who are geographically dispersed, thus providing opportunities for teamwork that wouldn't be possible in a traditional setting.

C) Virtual team members generally report greater satisfaction with the group interaction process

While some studies may suggest that virtual teams can experience satisfaction, this option is not universally true. Satisfaction levels can vary widely and may not necessarily be greater than those of traditional teams, making this statement less reliable.

D) The greater opportunity for social interaction helps increase rapport

This option is incorrect as virtual teams often have limited opportunities for spontaneous social interaction compared to in-person teams, which can hinder the development of rapport among team members.

Conclusion

The correct answer, which emphasizes the ability for individuals to collaborate across distances, underscores the unique flexibility and inclusivity that virtual teams can offer. In contrast, the other options fail to capture the inherent strengths of virtual teams, especially regarding communication and social dynamics.