The Challenges of Global Teams: A Framework for Mitigating Social Distance

In today’s global economy, companies are increasingly relying on geographically dispersed workforces to gain a competitive edge. This trend has led to the formation of teams with diverse cultural backgrounds and local expertise. However, physical separation and cultural differences can create social distance – or a lack of emotional connection – that leads to misunderstandings and mistrust. To help global team leaders manage effectively, a framework known as SPLIT offers guidance on how to mitigate social distance in global teams. This framework has five components:
  1. Structure: If a team is made up of groups with different views about their relative power, the leader should connect frequently with those who are farthest away and emphasize unity.
  2. Process: Meeting processes should allow for informal interactions that build empathy.
  3. Language: Everyone, regardless of language fluency, should be empowered to speak up.
  4. Identity: Team members must be active cultural learners and teachers to understand one another’s identity and avoid misinterpreting behaviors.
  5. Technology: When choosing between videoconferencing, e-mail, and other modes of communication, leaders should ask themselves if real-time conversation is desirable, if their message needs reinforcement, and if they are opting for the technology they want others to use.
By implementing these components, global team leaders can improve the workings of their groups and overcome the challenges posed by social distance. More information is avaliable at: https://hbr.org/2015/10/global-teams-that-work