Student Resource
Scandura, Essentials of Organizational Behavior, 3e
SAGE Publishing, 2022
Case Notes
Chapter 10: Group Processes and Teams
Case 10.1: Problem-Solving in Virtual Teams
Case Description
Shelia works for an energy company in the wind turbine manufacturing division as an inventory
controller. Her job duties include receiving, inventorying, and moving components to wind field
sites. Components are made by firms in the United States and China. Sheila is based in the
Greenville, NC, plant and works with teams in Schenectady, NY; Houston, TX; and Pensacola,
FL. Most of the work Sheila does with her teams is through the phone, e-mail, and occasional
web meeting. Working with such spread out teams that span the globe as well as several
Learning Objectives:
10.1: Explain the difference between a working group and a team.
10.2: Illustrate the relationship between team purpose and performance by using a team charter.
10.3: Compare and contrast the five-stage and team performance curve models of team
development.
Student Resource
Scandura, Essentials of Organizational Behavior, 3e
SAGE Publishing, 2022
Question & Answers
1. How does trust and respect facilitate the virtual teams’ ability to operate?
Ans: In this instance, because there is trust between the team members that each one will do their
2. What processes and procedures are important to making the teams work?
Ans: Knowing what the proper procedures are allows the interorganizational teams to function,
as these procedures have been agreed upon by both organizations and thus reduces the amount of
conflict between members and increase cohesion in its operations. It can also in times of conflict,
3. Why do you think Sheila is having trouble in her role on the new team?
Ans: Sheila did not use the five-stage model for team development, which includes the following
five stages: forming, storming, norming, performing, and adjourning. Thus, Sheila did not work
through the forming and storming stage with her established team mates, and there is no trust.
together a virtual team using a team development model.
4. What factors should you consider when putting together a virtual team?
Ans:
• Will face time be needed?
• How can you create early victories for the team to help them bond?
Student Resource
Scandura, Essentials of Organizational Behavior, 3e
SAGE Publishing, 2022
Note:
In this guide, some suggested answers are provided. Most of these questions are there to make
students think and interrelate concepts from the current and previous chapters and, hopefully, to