Innovation climate in a virtual organization– co-workers’ point of view

Abstract

The number of virtual organizations in modern society has increased due to globalization. Participation in these geographically distributed teams affects co-workers’ everyday work. The aim of this study was to investigate and describe co-workers’ view of how working in a virtual organization affects the innovation climate. Fourteen co-workers participated in the study, which was implemented by three focus group interviews. The results of the study concern fields within organizational, group, and individual levels. Major areas affecting the work climate were the relation global–local, comprehensive view, openness and trust, team member relations, co-worker liability and clarified expectations on the individual co-worker. Communication was considered essential to the success of a virtual organization.