Social Interaction in Virtual Teams – An Exploratory Study of Students Undertaking Business Simulation

In recent times, the usage of virtual teams has been accelerated, and virtual teams are being used exponentially in higher education and industry - driven by, and in response to, the Covid-19 pandemic - aided by developments in innovative technologies and globalisation. Teams have suddenly become an essential and necessary approach for collaborative learning as well as task completion. In examining the components of social interaction and its respective distinguished components, this paper positively points to virtual teams being an appropriate means for social interaction and team performance, albeit with some challenges. This qualitative study brings to the fore constructive and affirmative themes, along with various challenges that virtual teams present and also highlights areas for further research.