Systematic Literature Review of Exploring the Role of Leader during Conflict: A Case of Virtual Teams

The growing internationalization of the workforce and the widespread influence of technology have accelerated the development of virtual teams. Although these teams have various benefits, like flexibility and diversity, they also pose certain obstacles, especially in leadership and dispute resolution. Despite much research on this subject, a coherent understanding continues to be unattainable. This systematic review seeks to consolidate current research on leadership and conflict management in virtual teams, reveal common themes, suggest optimal approaches, and underscore ongoing research deficiencies. A thorough search was performed across various databases with keywords including “virtual teams,” “leadership,” and “conflict management.” Rigorous inclusion and exclusion criteria were implemented to guarantee the pertinence and quality of the investigations. Chosen publications were meticulously evaluated, with information on study design, sample size, principal findings, recommendations, and research deficiencies removed. This review analyzes 11 peer-reviewed articles, highlighting essential themes including the need for customized leadership training in virtual environments, the pivotal importance of communication technologies, the challenges and opportunities associated with multiculturalism, and the changing dynamics of shared leadership. The studies provide significant insights, but industry-specific research and empirical studies on multicultural virtual team leadership outcomes are needed. There are some problems with virtual teams, but they have become an important part of modern business. Their success is largely dependent on their ability to lead effectively and resolve conflicts. The results underscore the significance of adaptable leadership, cultural awareness, and efficient communication strategies. A further study focused on sector characteristics and cultural nuances is essential to improve the effectiveness of virtual teams in different environments.