Adjusting Virtual Work Practices: A Qualitative Study in Knowledge Intensive Offshoring

In this qualitative exploratory research we contrast two globally distributed teams in organizations offshoring knowledge intensive work. Our evidence shows that, while both teams are deemed effective by their respective management, the individual adjustment to virtual work was smooth in one case and cumbersome in the other. We built a grounded theory that shows what the factors are that facilitate the acceptance of virtual work among knowledge professionals engaged in offshoring activities: integration with regular workflow, perception of offshoring activities, and perception of differences in competences and professional identity. We conclude with a discussion of theoretical and practical implications. Keywords: offshoring, work practice, globally distributed teams