Results of a survey on using international virtual teams in engineering

Global virtual teams are being used by engineering organizations around the world´ sometimes deliberately and sometimes without any recognition that this type of team is a relatively new phenomenon. Research on virtual teaming is plentiful and broad. The survey research reported here seeks to assimilate existing research in meaningful ways so as to better understand how engineering professionals are using global virtual teams. Two hundred and eighty-five engineering professionals from around the world participated in this survey in the spring of 2013. Participants worked in many areas of engineering, including electrical and electronic, chemical, construction, mechanical, and aerospace. A small portion of data from this large survey is reported in this brief paper. These data can contribute to effective strategic planning and implementation of global virtual teams.