Businesses often ask their employees to complete projects in teams; this has many benefits as it allows the possibility of new friendships, a sense of group accomplishment and a distribution of responsibilities (Gluck 2011). There is no denying that a fundamental component for creating a successful team is good communication. Without good communication, teamwork is impossible (Scott, 1953). A lack of good communication can cause tension and anxiety in a team, which can affect the business as teams may miss project deadlines and be slow in solving problems. Building strong teams in a work place can increase productivity and morale (Gluck, 2011).
The increasing flow of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has allowed teams to connect and interact more efficiently. ICT primarily refers to different communication technologies such as the Internet, wireless networks, mobile phones and other mediums of communication (Tech Terms, 2010). The ICT sector includes some outstanding entrepreneurs that have impacted the everyday lives of their customers and how teams within businesses interact. The spirit and drive of these entrepreneurs and their willingness to take risks has been a major contributor to the speed in which the ICT industry has evolved.
The evolution of ICT has increased dramatically over the past 30 years. ICT is described as either detrimental to teamwork, beneficial to teamwork or both (Andriessen, 2003; Grudin, 1994; Hiltz & Turoff, 1993). Computers, emails and instant messaging systems are now just part of everyday norms that allows teams to communicate and share ideas and information. However, before all of these systems were in place, teams would communicate through letters or with expensive telephone calls. If somebody within the team was looking for information, they would have to go to the library as there were no search engines available 30 years ago.
How ICT has impacted teamwork
McLoughlin and Luca (2002)
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