When I think of a virtual world, images of multiplayer online games come to mind where real people are represented digitally by avatars who walk around, explore, play and communicate with other players. The avatars exist and interact in a digital three dimensional world. However, for the purpose of this paper it is not a virtual world, but a virtual meeting that will primarily be examined and compared. According to Dictionary.com (n.d.) a virtual world or environment is “a computer-generated, three-dimensional representation of a setting in which the user of the technology perceives themselves to be and within which interaction takes place; also called virtual landscape, virtual space”, and a virtual meeting is defined as “a business discussion that is conducted via Internet broadcast, videoconferencing, email, or a similar mode.” Teams whose members are physically in different locations out can still meet and work together through the use of the technology listed in the description.
Whether the team is meeting virtually or in a traditional office setting, there are some similarities. They perform the same tasks, need to be able to cooperate and communicate effectively, and have the same duties. For both types of meetings having a clear purpose and goals are important, and a written agenda helps keep the focus on the purpose and goals. Having leadership is also important to guide the team. Malhotra, Majchrzak, and Rosen (2007) point out that a team leader’s responsibilities are also the same, including “articulating a vision for the team, communicating the vision with passion, setting an execution plan so the vision can be accomplished, forming coalitions of believers, aligning others behind the vision, and shaping a team culture by articulating operating values” (p. 61). However, with a virtual team, leaders need to trust the team more than in a traditional office where they can more easily interact and observe each team member’s progress.
An obvious difference between virtual and face-to-face meetings is that the virtual team members are not meeting in person. This can cause problems in communication and delays in getting goals achieved. An example of this is the Grace Bible College New Testament Survey course where four of the assignments are group projects. In my experience, because it is an online course and the students live in different states, it can be difficult to coordinate the work. Instead of meeting in a classroom to discuss each project, the students must rely on technology, primarily Blackboard and email, to communicate. It can take several hours, or even days, before everyone’s input is received. Disagreements and misunderstandings take longer to work out. On the plus side, though, having virtual meetings eliminates the need for team members to travel to a central location to meet. This saves on time and money.
Something to be considered when considering virtual meetings is the technology involved. If a software program is being used, it must be available to everyone on the team, and it must be compatible with each team member’s hardware. Internet must also be available and reliable. A slow or interrupted connection will cause delays and aggravation among the team members.
There are pros and cons to having virtual meetings, but regardless of which way one leans on the matter, it is something that is not going away. There was no option of virtual meetings in Biblical times. Meetings were held in person, and communication was accomplished through letters. If it had been available, one wonders if Paul would have used the technology, especially while he was in prison. I like to think that he would not, and believe that he felt the same as John who wrote, “Though I have much to write to you, I would rather not use paper and ink. Instead I hope to come to you and talk face to face, so that our joy may be complete” (2 John 1:12, English Standard Version). In spite of the advantages of virtual meetings, I believe that meeting in person is preferable.