Teamwork research method based on the system of organisational terms and online management tools

Abstract

Background. At present organisations have to respond more effectively to the dynamic and complex environments. Therefore team management has become more and more relevant as a method of increasing organisational efficiency. In order to ensure that a team can achieve the established goals, it is crucial to clarify managerial actions that govern effective team actions. Unfortunately, the present research methods create some methodological problems in the way to achieve clear answers to research questions in that field. Research aims. The aim of the paper is (1) to present the original method of studying the activity of team managers and their teams based on the concept of organisational term, and (2) to present the results of the observation of the virtual team recorded by online management tools in TransistorsHead (online research platform). Methodology. A review of literature led the author to design a system of organisational terms which include ontological and epistemological assumption of such research. The non-participating observation carried out with 41 students recorded by online management tools allows for verification of the appropriateness of the research method. Key findings. The presented research method gives possibility of overcoming the domination of the study of organisational reality based on the situation at certain times and high influence of the researchers on the research results. It also allows making a step forward in pattern recognition in team management.