Challenges to Managing Virtual Teams in Georgian SMEs

¹ EKA University of Applied Science, Rīga, LV-1019, Latvia
² Turiba University, Riga LV-1058, Latvia

^* Corresponding author: anna.abeltina@gmail.com
Corresponding author: katerizhamadze@gmail.com

Abstract

The novel coronavirus pandemic has brought about an unprecedented economic and social crisis. The work methods have seen a significant change, and telework has experienced swift growth. The practical application of teleworking needs technology, social and organizational support. Employees who are less tech-savvy require digital training. There is limited data on this topic. Therefore, this research will contribute to a deeper understanding of the issue related to managing virtual teams. An objective of this study is to examine how virtual teams are developed and to identify the challenges to managing virtual reams in selected Georgian SMEs. This study seeks to obtain data that will help to analyze and review issues that arise in the process of managing diverse and geographically dispersed virtual teams. This research is constructed on a brief literature review, survey and focus group discussions among the representatives of SMEs operating in the financial and IT sector in Georgia. According to study findings, companies that pursue successful eleadership consider teleworking as an opportunity. The most interesting finding is that timely availability of necessary information, effective communication and well-defined tasks influence the collaboration between virtual team members and is pivotal whilst managing a virtual team.