Selection for Virtual Teams

This chapter examines research in the area of selection for virtual teams, identify gaps in our knowledge of virtual team selection and suggest directions for future research. To accomplish this objective, the chapter first describes the context of virtual teams, followed by a discussion of knowledge, skills, abilities and other qualifications (KSAOs) that are theoretically relevant to virtual teamwork. Teamwork situational judgement tests (SJTs), employment interviews and work simulations have typically focused on traditional teamwork and competences for face-to-face interactions. The chapter then reviews a variety of selection tools that may be useful when staffing virtual teams, noting strengths and limitations from the available validity evidence. It deals with a discussion of research needed to advance our understanding of virtual team selection. Before any selection system can be developed, a thorough job analysis is needed to ensure that relevant KSAOs are identified and weighted appropriately in selection.