WSP forges teamwork and leadership in rural South Africa
Purpose – Focuses on how WSP Environmental is using real‐world community projects to combat the challenges of knowledge sharing, and to develop improved virtual teamwork, cross‐cultural communication and ambassadorial leadership. Design/methodology/approach – Describes how a team of ten nationalities from eight offices was charged with providing a shelter to facilitate the work of a local non‐governmental organization in caring for HIV orphans in a rural community in Limpopo province, South Africa, where 50 percent of people are unemployed and around 30 percent live below poverty level, and where everyone is either affected or infected by HIV. Findings – Demonstrates that team members were successfully united by this common and worthwhile achievement. One key aspect for their continued success was agreeing a charter for ways of working virtually, and ensuring that this charter was maintained. Practical implications – Shows how WSP used the project to benefit a community and to address key business challenges. Originality/value – Records that staff turnover has remained at zero up to 18 months after the completion of the community project.
Year of publication: |
2006
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Authors: | Reese, Andrew |
Published in: |
Human Resource Management International Digest. - Emerald Group Publishing Limited, ISSN 1758-7166, ZDB-ID 2082534-1. - Vol. 14.2006, 7, p. 12-14
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Publisher: |
Emerald Group Publishing Limited |
Subject: | Team working | Community work (social welfare) | Cross‐cultural management | Leadership | Communications | Retention |
Saved in:
Online Resource
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