Which characteristic is unique to virtual teams as compared with face-to-face teams? Select one.

Virtual teams are uniquely characterized by their reliance on technology-mediated communication, which inherently limits the social context and non-verbal cues (e.g., body language, tone of voice) available in face-to-face interactions. While all teams share goals and require leadership, the lack of physical presence is a fundamental differentiator for virtual teams. This absence can create challenges in building trust, cohesion, and a shared understanding among members, requiring more deliberate communication efforts to overcome the technological barrier.

B. A shared goal or purpose. (This is a fundamental characteristic of any team, not unique to virtual teams.)

C. Interdependence among team members. (All effective teams, virtual or not, feature interdependence among their members.)

D. The need for effective leadership. (Effective leadership is crucial for the success of all types of teams.)

- Robbins, S. P., & Judge, T. A. (2018). Organizational Behavior (18th ed.). Pearson. Chapter 10, "Understanding Work Teams," discusses that for virtual teams to be effective, managers must ensure "the absence of paraverbal and nonverbal cues" is addressed.

- Hertel, G., Geister, S., & Konradt, U. (2005). Managing virtual teams: A review of current empirical research. Human Resource Management Review, 15(1), 69-95. The review highlights that mediated communication in virtual teams leads to "reduced social cues" (p. 71). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hrmr.2005.01.002