Abstract
Purpose. The purpose of this study was to assess staff perceptions of four U.S.-Saudi Diplomatic Corps, the embassy in Washington, DC, and the three consulates in New York, Houston, and Los Angeles regarding the implementation of virtual teams. This study applied the adaptive structuration theory (AST). AST explains how teams develop in a given situation, especially when technology is involved. Methodology. A descriptive research design was selected for this study. It assessed the readiness of virtual teams at the four U.S.-Saudi Diplomatic Corps. The factors that supported this research design included the population, 146 staff members, instrumentation used for data collection, procedures used to collect these data, analysis of data, and the limitations of the study. In response to answering Research Questions 1, 2, and 3, the descriptive research design enabled the researcher to determine the perception of the four U.S.-Saudi Diplomatic Corps' staff regarding the importance of relationship dimensions, personal growth dimensions, and system maintenance and change dimensions in implementing virtual teams. Findings. Examination of quantitative data from the four U.S.-Saudi Diplomatic Corps indicated that (a) the population of this study (the staff of four U.S.-Saudi Diplomatic Corps) does not perceive virtual teams as providing a sound foundation for building relationships, and (b) the population does not perceive virtual teams to provide a sound foundation for providing a platform for personal growth; however, (c) the population does perceive virtual teams to provide adequate system maintenance and change dimensions. Conclusion. This research study proposed a new research theme. It explored how virtual teams, as a connection between diplomatic corps (like the U.S.-Saudi Diplomatic Corps), in host countries could improve communication between these corps and impact the work outcomes. In general, this study enhanced the current literature by exploring how today's communication advanced technology improves the effectiveness of virtual teamwork in organizations. Recommendations. Future research regarding the perceptions of virtual teams can be done in a similar way, using the GES, but within a more diverse population. Future studies comparing scores across demographic groups will be, perhaps, more effective for understanding the perception scores for a single population. Additional research among the current population is warranted regarding their general attitudes and perceptions toward relationship dimensions, personal growth dimensions, and system maintenance and change dimensions.