Final answer:
Virtual teams work across boundaries using technology for communication and are divided into problem-resolution, creative, and tactical types. Technologies like cloud storage and collaboration platforms are essential for their operation. So the correct answer is option 20.
Step-by-step explanation:
Virtual teams refer to the type of teams that operate across various boundaries such as time zones, geographic distances, and organizational structures, relying chiefly on technology for communication and collaboration. These teams are often integral to organizations looking to respond swiftly to changes prompted by factors including technological advancements, economic shifts, globalization, and changes in workplace demography. Virtual teams can be categorized among problem resolution teams, creative teams, and tactical teams, addressing diverse needs from solving specific issues to executing well-defined plans.
In the context of the workplace, collaboration and communication are pivotal, especially for virtual teams. To this end, multiple technologies such as cloud storage solutions like Microsoft's OneDrive and Drive, word processors with review features, and collaboration platforms like Slack, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams prove essential. They offer features like file sharing and storage, video conferencing, and task organizing, facilitating the smooth operation of remote teams.
However, the success of virtual teams can be impacted by factors such as social loafing, communication barriers, and group decision-making challenges. Ensuring clear communication, avoiding jargon, and setting explicit expectations for engagement can help overcome some of these challenges. Gender diversity within teams has also been studied, showing in some instances that gender-balanced teams may perform better, benefiting from a wider range of skills and potentially improved intra-team dynamics.