How do we build trust in virtual teams?

Virtual teams are different from conventional teams in that they are essentially social networks: members cooperate geographically apart and in different time zones and they form a group by virtue of their working together and asking each others’ advice. What they do and how they do this is managed by a team leader. To communicate they use a variety of media. For teams to work well together there needs to be a certain level of trust. Jouke has studied the impact of the use of media and the style of leadership on the development of trust in virtual teams. He has found that if team members have access to a variety of media and know how to use them, their position in the team becomes more influential and they are better trusted. In his presentation he will discuss the findings of his research and offer a look into a future that will be increasingly dependent on virtual trust.

Jouke Kruijer has 20 years of experience in training and team coaching. He has facilitated transformative processes with national and international corporations. Jouke has specialised in the application of theatre to the practice of consulting. He is a sensitive facilitator who is not afraid to address issues the moment they present themselves. As a coach he works towards fulfilling his client’s potential. He is managing partner at Feidon Change Facilitators and works as a painter in Amsterdam. His present focus is on trust in global virtual teams and he is doing research on this subject in large corporations. His work as a painter is characterized as expressive and lyrical. Themes in his in his figurative and abstract work are space and balance.