Globally dispersed teams at General Motors

Abstract

A literature review was done to understand how different authors and researchers view collaboration and teamwork. In addition, interviews were conducted with a cross section of members of teams operating globally within General Motors. This thesis builds upon this research and expands on the effect and interplay of the many different variables present in all collaborative efforts. Special emphasis has been placed in understanding team dynamics for globally dispersed teams. Literature analysis and field interview data led us to develop a model of teamwork dynamics. The model contributed to the understanding of variables and feedback mechanisms affecting alignment, interaction and communication, trust, capability, and team results and efficiency. A survey was administered to partially test the model and to validate insights from interview sessions. From this work, we conclude that issues surrounding globally dispersed teams do not differ significantly from those inherent to co-located teams. However, some of these issues especially time, distance and diversity exert a stronger influence on dispersed teams and require different sorts of interventions to build and maintain effectiveness. As far as General Motors is concerned, we conclude that GM is doing the right things when it comes to assembling teams operating globally but the pace at which the entire organization is genuinely committing to change needs to be accelerated.