The climate for creativity in virtual teams

Using a naturalistic paradigm, this study explored the key dimensions necessary for a climate for creativity specific to virtual teams, groups of geographically dispersed organizational members who carry out the majority of their activities through information technology. Through maximum variation sampling, thirty-six individuals from nine teams were selected. One semi-structured, telephone interview was conducted with each participant. Team members also completed a background survey. Through grounded theorizing, eleven environmental features that influenced virtual team members' creativity emerged: trust; acceptance of ideas and constructive tension; freedom; challenge; goal clarity; collaboration; sufficient resources and time; management encouragement; information sharing; dedication/commitment; and personal bond. From these identified dimensions, a model was developed which included three components necessary for virtual team creativity — connection, raw materials, and management and team member skills conducive to creativity. Implications for organizations, managers and team leaders, and individual team members are discussed.