Anyone with half a brain realises that for anyone working as a ‘creative professional’ the work place and its culture has shifted dramatically in the last few years. Jonathan Follett in The Long Hallway points to something I had not really thought through completely.
Virtual companies are establishing new business processes which are not simply telecommuting as we think of it. Follett points out that “telecommuters work remotely for businesses that already possess an established culture and physical buildings” whereas virtual companies exist “wherever its people are”. In other words these companies do not have a physical space or head quarters with an associated culture. These companies are often international. As an example I (an Australian) write online course materials for a company in America.
The implications of this non physical workspace are teased out by Jonathan Follett. Process becomes paramount, social interaction via networked play helps to build good working relationships, writing skills are important, team management involves consideration and adapting to different working styles and personalities.
It’s a good article which is worth reading I would only add one thing when working across international borders. Although you might think you are on the same wave length don’t assume so. Everything has to be spelt out very clearly otherwise misunderstandings can easily occur.
