Effective Strategies for Building Trust in Virtual Teams

Effective Strategies for Building Trust in Virtual Teams by Alphonse Shefa Kwaye MS, Northeastern University, 2014 LLM, Central European University, 2009 Postgraduate Diploma, University of Yaoundé II, 2005 LLB, University of Buea, 2004 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University August 2018 Abstract Virtual teams often fail to achieve their objectives because virtual team leaders lack strategies for nurturing trust among dispersed team members. The purpose of this single case study was to explore strategies virtual team leaders in large corporate banks use to build trust among virtual team members. The population of this study included 6 virtual team leaders from a large corporate bank located in the northeast region of the United States. The interpersonal trust theory was the conceptual framework of this study. Data were collected via semistructured telephone interviews and review of company documents. The data analysis process included content analysis and thematic analysis for theme identification. Data analysis revealed four themes related to strategies that leaders of virtual teams can use to build trust among team members: reliable technology, effective communication, teamwork and participation, and respect for people and culture. A fifth theme emerged related to barriers to trust strategies. The implications for positive social change include the potential to improve work environments for virtual team members isolated because of the absence of a social context.Virtual teams often fail to achieve their objectives because virtual team leaders lack strategies for nurturing trust among dispersed team members. The purpose of this single case study was to explore strategies virtual team leaders in large corporate banks use to build trust among virtual team members. The population of this study included 6 virtual team leaders from a large corporate bank located in the northeast region of the United States. The interpersonal trust theory was the conceptual framework of this study. Data were collected via semistructured telephone interviews and review of company documents. The data analysis process included content analysis and thematic analysis for theme identification. Data analysis revealed four themes related to strategies that leaders of virtual teams can use to build trust among team members: reliable technology, effective communication, teamwork and participation, and respect for people and culture. A fifth theme emerged related to barriers to trust strategies. The implications for positive social change include the potential to improve work environments for virtual team members isolated because of the absence of a social context. Effective Strategies for Building Trust in Virtual Teams by Alphonse Shefa Kwaye MS, Northeastern University, 2014 LLM, Central European University, 2009 Postgraduate Diploma, University of Yaoundé II, 2005 LLB, University of Buea, 2004 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University August 2018 Dedication I dedicate this study to my family, particularly my late father and two brothers, mother, sisters, brothers, and lovely wife and daughters. I appreciate all the love, care, encouragement, support, and understanding you demonstrated throughout this journey. This achievement would not have been possible without you. Acknowledgments Special thanks and appreciation to my chair, Dr. Robert Miller, for his excellent guidance and direction throughout the doctoral process. I could not have achieved this significant milestone without your assistance. I wish to also thank my committee members, Dr. Olivia Herriford and Dr. Matthew Knight. All the feedback you provided improved my study and knowledge immensely. Thank you to all my friends for their encouragement and support. Most importantly, I thank the Almighty God for observing me through this journey. This accomplishment is by his special grace.