Design and impact of awareness technology in virtual teams

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Globalization necessitates that companies effectively distribute work across time and space, leading to a rise in virtual teams. Defined as groups of geographically distributed individuals who rely on information technology to accomplish tasks, these teams are increasingly formed from diverse structures, incorporating members from various business units and locations. Such diversity fosters knowledge sharing and integrates different perspectives, facilitating innovation and the implementation of new ideas. Additionally, as companies face pressure to reduce costs, many outsource functions, requiring collaboration between teams from different organizations to coordinate services and knowledge transfer. Unlike co-located teams, virtual teams rarely meet in person, relying entirely on technology, which limits communication and alters collaborative dynamics. Consequently, numerous studies have explored the challenges of collaboration in virtual settings compared to traditional ones. A significant issue is the lack of awareness regarding team members' activities, which is crucial for effective collaboration. In co-located environments, individuals gain insights into each other's work through direct observation and informal interactions. In contrast, virtual teams miss these opportunities, leading to difficulties in understanding and coordinating efforts.