Knowledge acquisition in virtual teams

In this chapter, we discuss how individuals acquire knowledge through group experiences and how technologies used by virtual teams will affect this process. The effect of groups on individual member learning is a fundamental, but relatively unexplored, aspect of group effectiveness. We propose that group members can acquire knowledge in two ways: via other group members and through products that groups generate. With respect to acquisition via group members, we emphasize how collaborative processes provide opportunities for learning. With respect to knowledge transfer via group products, we pay particular attention to the mechanisms by which group members store knowledge. We address how information and communication technologies can influence these mechanisms for knowledge acquisition when working in virtual teams. In general, our review suggests that there are numerous challenges to knowledge acquisition in distributed groups. We conclude by discussing methods for enhancing opportunities for learning in virtual teams.