Virtual teams, comprised of people who work together through the use of e-mail and other communication technologies to complete a task while in separate locations, are becoming more commonplace for working with international colleagues. Virtual teams have a number of advantages, including elimination of travel time and elimination of such negative behaviors as team members who are late, interrupt, and talk incessantly.

An added advantage is that members from different cultures are often more comfortable expressing themselves in writing than in speaking.

However, there are a number of disadvantages, especially when people from different cultures are involved. What are some of the concerns, issues, or disadvantages of a virtual team that communicates primarily via e-mail and that is composed of members from China, France, Mexico, and the United States?