Role of HRM in Managing Virtual Teams at Tesco

DISSERTATION

THE ROLE OF HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT IN DEVELOPING AND MANAGING VIRTUAL TEAMS IN TESCO

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would like to express gratitude to my lecturer for the help provided in order to make completion of my dissertation successfully. I would also appreciate the opportunity that is provided to me that really helped me in my growth and in developing me personally as well as professionally. I would like to express my thanks to my parents and family members that were involved and supported me all throughout my dissertation. I would like to extend my gratitude towards the management of the college for providing me with the resources required and giving me permission to successfully continue my dissertation.

ABSTRACT

The information here in the research has been collected by the researcher showing the information about the role being played by HR in the overall management and development of virtual teams at Tesco. In addition to this, it could be noted that with the existence of Covid-19 in the market, there has been immense disturbance mainly within the retail sector since the firm now cannot be able to implement the traditional way of distributing their product and services in the market. But with the advanced technology coming up and its usage in retail industries, it could be evaluated that the firm has been able to gain sustainability within the business environment effectively. Apart from this, the researcher here in the research has well been able to implement the research aim, and objectives as well as is able to gain answers to the set research questions in an effective manner.

The researcher in the research has well applied various research methodology that includes positivism research, deductive approach, qualitative attainment of information as well as making effective use of primary information collected through interview process whereas, secondary information has well been attained in the form of literature review which involves the application of online sources such as newspaper, journals, articles etc which further enabled the researcher in forming a relevant conclusion on the basis of the research topic and therefore undergo effective completion of the research.

INTRODUCTION

Human resource plays a very significant role in the overall success and growth of the firm within the business environment since it helps in maximising productivity utility as well as allows the firm in gaining potential talent. Moreover, based on the present situation existing in the market wherein pandemic has effectively distracted the overall business scenario It could be observed that Tesco has well been able to manage the different tasks keeping in mind the needs of the customers as well as employees. In addition to this, with everything becoming virtually or the operations being Implemented by the firm remotely, it has further enabled the management to make effective utilisation of advanced technology existing in the market so that they could manage their human resource easily. Apart from this, it can also be evaluated that the virtual transformation of the operations of the firm, though it has become difficult for the management to operate and gain sustainability within the business environment at the same time it could be noted that effective efforts are being made by the management to ensure that the employees gain motivation and encouragement in the job role implemented by them.

It could also be noted that human resource management is very crucial to be implemented within the firm in order to undertake strategic management, develop realistic compensation structures for the employees, make an analysis of the benefits that could be gained by the firm, effectively manage the safety and risk arising within the firm as well as helps in minimising the liability issues (Breuer et al., 2020). In addition to this, it could also be noted that human resources operating within the firm could enable the employees in attaining proper training and development which in turn would provide them with increased satisfaction levels helping them in gaining high performance throughout the work implemented by them within the business. Recruitment and onboarding, hiring process as well as management of compliance as some of the effective functions being implemented by the HR department operating within the firm in order to ensure the overall success and growth in the market enabling the firm to attainment of competitive advantage among the other competitors existing. For the right identification of the talent, the HR department plays a very significant role in allowing the management in taking up crucial decisions effectively. It could also be noted that in the current business environment wherein pandemics exist, it has become very important for the firms to manage the employees working virtually so as to ensure that the spread of the virus could be eliminated and at the same time sustainability of the firm exist in the market (Dirani et al., 2020). With the effective utilisation of technologies, Tesco has will be able to understand the needs and wants of the customer base and accordingly provide them with the products and services that could cater for their daily needs in an effective manner and hence been able to create a positive image in their minds even at times of COVID-19 existing in the market. On the other hand, it could be noted that the management operating at Tesco with making use of different digital technologies existing has been able to remain connected with the employees operating remotely and hence make them engaged in the firm effectively. The virtual existence of the organisation would enable the employees in managing the job roles delegated to them in an effective manner and at the same time will be able to provide their personal attention to the family. Since Covid 19 has immensely impacted the overall business scenario and traditional working but at the same time, it has enabled the firms in opening up towards the digital technologies existing in the market and make its full utilisation so that they could serve the potential consumer base easily. Management of virtual team though is very tough and complex but for the management to ensure that the employees attain increase the productivity and motivation from the job role it is very important for them to ensure that write application of advanced technology is implemented by them so as to gain success in growth within the business environment.

OUTLINE RESEARCH

The research here implemented by the researcher will be including the collection of secondary information in the form of literature review along with the implementation of research methodology that could further enable the researcher in gaining brief insight into the importance of human resource management towards development and management of the virtual teams existing at Tesco. In addition to this, the researcher here Will also be gaining primary information through the help of the interview process wherein responses would be collected through a telephonic process. And on the basis of the information collected, the researcher will be able to form analysis and gain findings based on the topic taken up for the research further helping the researcher and gaining the research outcome effectively.

COMPANY BACKGROUND

Tesco PLC is a British multinational groceries and merchandise retailers that have got its headquartered in Welwyn Garden City, England. It could also be noted that the firm is the third largest retailer in the world in terms of gross revenue and 9^th in terms of revenues generated. Tesco has got various supermarket, hypermarket, superstore and convenience shop. The key people involved within the firm include John Allan and Ken Murphy. At present the firm has got 4673 shops dealing in retailing sector along with 367321 employees.

RESEARCH AIM AND OBJECTIVES

RESEARCH AIM:

The aim of this research is to discuss about the role played by human resource management in managing virtual teams.

RESEARCH OBJECTIVES:

• To assess theoretical underpinnings linked to the role of HRM practises in managing and developing virtual teams.

• To understand the importance of the role of the HRM wing of the organisations in managing and developing virtual teams.

• To develop the idea of managing the employees in a retail organisation.

• To know the advantages and disadvantages faced by the HRM wing of the organisation in managing and developing virtual teams.

RESEARCH QUESTIONS

Given the breadth of the scope of the research team, it shall be answered by means of addressing the following research questions, which shall also be serving as the objectives of the research program:

Q1. What is the role of HRM theories in a retail organisation?

Q 2. What is the importance of HRM in terms of managing virtual teams?

RATIONALE OF THE RESEARCH

Looking at the analytical aspect, the different theories related to HRM indicates that there are different functions that are implemented by the department of the form in the normal times as well as also applied the same at the time of pandemic existing in the market. Therefore, it could be analysed that the HRM functions remain constant for the firm and so while implementing the operations virtually, it could be evaluated that though there has been an increase in the problem for the firm to manage and therefore Roles, as well as expectations from the HRM department, have also increased. The existence of various organisational issues existing that could create hindrance to the overall working of the employees, the HRM department operating within the firm needs to make sure that they take a proper role of motivating and encouraging the employees as these are the essential elements that could help reform and remaining active, effective as well as functional within business environment (Larson and DeChurch, 2020). Through the research implemented, it could be evaluated that employees not only benefit themselves but also help the firm in gaining various benefits that are being materialised through the help of the HRM department operating. In addition to this, it could also be noted there are different problems which are faced by the HRM team towards undergoing the management and developing of the virtual teams and therefore it is also recommended that the form make sure that application of supportive framework takes place in terms of the work culture being implemented at the workplace. It could also be analysed that the HRM department can have the access to the problems faced by the firm and the employees and accordingly the operational management team with implementing effective decisions can help solve such issues effectively.

Also, in the present business scenario, it could be observed that virtual teams have become a necessity for the firms and has become even more important since the outbreak of coronavirus. Moreover, looking at the scientific evidence, there are various problems and challenges being faced by the management while dealing with the team virtually then operating with the team face two faces since more reliance is on the electronic communication and therefore the employees have got very fewer things in common as well as the potentially less overlap in terms of the working hours. Operating virtually, allows the management operating within the firm in undertaking online recruitment and hiring of the teams with the better applicant pool along with saving time and money which is being used by AI and automation for the screen applicants (Thite, 2022). Making use of virtual technologies have enabled the firms in linking to the system of remote working in an effective manner further allowing the employees in managing their personal and professional life effectively.

SYNOPSIS OF THE RESEARCH

Following are the points being included here in the research:

Introduction: This chapter will provide the researcher with the information related to the topic taken up for the research along with providing formation of aim, objectives, research questions and rationale to be met.

Literature review: The chapter here would be based on the research objectives set by the researcher allowing in gaining the relevant information about HR management in developing and managing the virtual teams operating within Tesco. In addition to this, the secondary research here will be collected making use of online sources such as journals and articles.

Research methodology: This chapter will include the information related to research method, strategy implemented, philosophy and other analytical tools based on the research topic taken up.

Research findings, analysis and discussion: This chapter will discuss about the information collected with making use of primary and secondary information further helping in attainment of reliable and relevant data.

Conclusion and recommendation: Here, the researcher will form final conclusion on the basis of the information collected and presented. Along with this, relevant recommendations for further improvement will also be provided allowing the researcher in further attaining success.

LITERATURE REVIEW

THE CONCEPT OF HRM AND ITS IMPORTANCE TO BUSINESS ORGANIZATION

According to Stone et al. (2020), Human Resources (HR) is the division of an organization accountable for finding, recruiting, and screening, training and administrating employee benefits. The HR department within any firm is responsible for handling and carrying out all things worker-related. The key activities handled by the HR department includes vetting, recruitment, hiring, promoting, selecting, Onboarding, paying, training, hiring and firing staff and independent contractors (Stone et al., 2020). HRM on the other hand is the strategic technique for the efficient and effective management of individuals in a company to achieve competitiveness in the marketplace. The concept of HRM is designed to maximize or upsurge workforce performance in service of an employer’s strategic motives. HRM within the organization ensures the quality of personnel and the right quality in the workplace along with drawing opportunities to ease and inspire teams and individuals to grow and advance their careers. Without HRM it would be challenging for businesses to recruit and retain potential staff as well as to maintain an accepting workplace environment and culture (Stone et al., 2020).

Based on the study of Vulpen (2022) employees and teams are an essential part of the success of any business and the staff performance can be an asset or liability to the company. The overall functioning and operations of HRM within an organization relies on seven elements or practices that are Recruitment and selection, learning and development, performance management, HR information systems, HR data and analytics, compensations and benefits, and succession planning (Vulpen, 2022). All these seven basic operates as building blocks-strong management and contributes to the strength of the next. None of these HR fundamentals is inaccessible and enables the workforce not only to achieve better but to perform at their finest. Assuring employee satisfaction, and developing an organization's productivity and performance are some signs of HRM in the business marketplace. The concept also provides an organization with a clear vision of competitive benefits and adds effectively to organizational growth and success in general (Vulpen, 2022).

Paycor (2020) stated that, an effective HR department adds to the organization in developing an organizational structure and the potential to meet business needs by handling the business's assets that are employees. Handling the HRM roles and responsibilities in a disciplined manner makes the department more important and required to the marketplace. Talent Management (TM) is one of the key roles of HRM in a business organization and is responsible for hiring, recruiting, supporting and retaining staff. The HR department practices operations like the study of job satisfaction, resolving workplace conflicts, maintaining staff engagement and workplace culture (Paycor, 2020). Another role of HRM is compensation and benefits and includes operations like evaluation of the pay practices of competitors and developing compensation strategies. Organising training and development programmes is another key role of the HRM department and contributes to empowering the skills, knowledge and competencies of the workforce. New employee orientation, personal and professional development, leadership training and managerial training are some examples of HRM practices. Maintaining workplace safety and Compliance is also the responsibility of the HR department that adds to the businesses in developing accepting workplace culture and environment (Paycor, 2020).

ROLE OF HRM PRACTICES IN DEVELOPING AND MANAGING VIRTUAL TEAMS

Strohmeier (2020) argued that a virtual team is a group of individuals who work together from different locations and rely on technology and advancement like email, video or voice conferencing, Instant messaging or telephonic conversation for communication and coordination. Virtual teams allow businesses to bring together people with the best expertise without emphasizing where they live. It is a group of people operating across time and space and business boundaries using technology to collaborate and communicate (Strohmeier, 2020). Trusting the team, encouraging flexibility, bringing people together, saving shorter meetings, giving staff accountability, emphasis on results and making communication a priority are some traits of successful virtual teams. The COVID-19 pandemic increased the use and adaptation of Virtual team working due to lockdown situations. The concept is becoming more common and popular in every business sector. During the pandemic, Tesco Company adopted the concept of a virtual team or remote working in which the HRM department played a key role in team building and management. Cost-efficiency, easy scalability, healthy work-life balance, round the clock availability and access to a global talent pool are some benefits of Virtual teams to business firms (Strohmeier, 2020).

According to Feitosa and Salas (2020), Virtual team is a group of workers who work and communicate together using digital tools to attain business motives and objectives successfully. Developing and maintaining an effective and potential virtual team is important for the organization to enhance internal communication, stronger foundation, improved scalability and growth, access to the new market and larger talent pool (Feitosa and Salas, 2020). The HRM department also plays a vital part in developing and managing virtual teams. Nearly one-half of the businesses use virtual teams in their workplace and brainstorming solutions to various issues were reported as successful behaviour of companies using virtual teams. Recruiting, structuring and managing are the three major roles of HRM while working with Virtual teams. The role of HRM in building a virtual team initiates with defining a clear purpose for the team and team members, choosing the right timing for team meetings, using the right technology, availability of resources along hiring the potential candidate (Feitosa and Salas, 2020).

Carnevale and Hatak (2020) pointed that the roles and responsibilities of HRM become more challenging while running a remote or virtual team. 84% of the businesses claim virtual teams as more difficult than in-person communication while 90% of remote team includes around two cultures making it essential for the HRM to enable effortless and uninterrupted communication. While develop a virtual team, the key accountability of the HRM is to find the right person to work with along with defining the goal clearly (Carnevale and Hatak, 2020). Not everyone fits remote teams and thus finding a professional personality with the right fit for virtual team working is the responsibility of the HRM. Creating a professional work environment and maintaining resource availability is also the responsibility of HRM in virtual team development and maintenance. Ensuring the team is equipped with the right resources at right time and using multiple channels for communication ensures smooth and uninterrupted communication among team members working remotely. The HRM also carries out activities like technological training and mentoring programme in areas where the team needs development. Regular meeting for conflict resolution and giving feedback is also important for the HRM to develop and maintain virtual teams (Carnevale and Hatak, 2020).

SIGNIFICANCE OF HRM IN DEVELOPING AND MANAGING VIRTUAL TEAMS

According to Harun et al. (2021), virtual teams are developed when geographical or physical separation cannot be bridged and is emerging as the norm in 2020. Build and maintain an effective virtual team along with boosting the performance and profitability of the organization is one of the major responsibilities of the HRM department. It is the accountability of the HR department to ensure the smooth and systematic working of the team without any challenges (Harun et al., 2021). Working virtually or remotely requires a certain set of policies and regulations to meet the business goals as well as to maintain smooth business functioning. Thus HRM department plays a significant part in developing virtual team working policies and adopting the same. It can be said that HRM ensures the ethical, smooth and systematic functioning of the remote teams to boost business performance and productivity. The HRM supports the remote teams by scheduling predictable and regular check-ins with remote teams (Harun et al., 2021).

As per the study of Kilcullen et al. (2021) HRM department deals with the factors like performance, compensation, resource management, training, safety and wellness, benefits, staff motivation and organisational performance development. Managing the workforce and working environment and culture is the key responsibility of the HRM department that makes the department one of the strong building blocks of the organization. The HR departments at companies like Tesco helped in establishing and maintaining clear communication and coordination between remote teams by setting clear communication guidelines (Kilcullen et al., 2021). HRM at Tesco played a key role in boosting the knowledge of employees with remote working, establishing and maintaining effective communication. Effective decision-making regarding communication channels, tools, and working hours helped Tesco in communicating effectively and maintaining coordination between the team. The department also played a key part in educating the team about the tools and technologies for remote working to ensure smooth business functioning. The HR department also contributed to educating the staff about struggling and managing the issues related to remote working like loss of direct supervision, technical faults, information inaccessibility, and unseen distractions and interruptions (Kilcullen et al., 2021).

Based on the study of Elyousfi et al. (2021) the trend for remote working growing vastly and is emerging as new normal in the business area. Organizational benefits and competitive advantages like increased productivity and work flexibility enhanced the attraction of businesses toward virtual working. On the online platform, HR communicates more than just company updates by monitoring how employees are dealing with the new remote work situation (Elyousfi et al., 2021). HR department ensures to keep the remote team satisfaction and productivity with the digital operations. The basic responsibility of the HR department is to secure the organization and its employees from any kind of loss which represents the importance of HRM in business firms. Availability of resources and tools on time, regular monitoring and performance maintenance plays a key part in minimizing the risks and enhancing profitability. Also, the HR department is important for recruiting and hiring talented and potential candidates on which the overall business performance and productivity relies (Elyousfi et al., 2021).

As implied by Morrison-Smith and Ruiz (2020), there is no need of a crystal ball for predicting top HR-related issues in the forthcoming time since some issues are staring businesses right in the face, as it happens. A report published by the World Economic Forum revealed that telework which is also referred as telecommunication or remote working is well-thought-out as one biggest transformation driver in the workplace.

Every time a business person reads out a magazine, he/she read about the launch of new collaborative software or about new technological tools either for file sharing, screen sharing or online project management- all of which are designed to help employees work in remote locations effectively. Adding to this, it is stated that it is not merely technology that is fuelling the trend, rather other contributors are increasing globalisation & rising costs, alongside the promise of higher productivity (Hacker et al., 2019).

All the aforementioned factors have increased the ratio of virtual teams, particularly marked 80% increase only in the past five years. Other sources, including a study of Hacker et al (2019) anticipated that in the next few years, over 1 billion people are likely to work virtually, however companies cannot be blamed for jumping on board. Believing that virtual teams come up with low cost and also act as a way to connect workers across the globe with the ability to work under a flexible schedule, it is also important to note that human resource leaders recognised a set of challenges in managing a virtual workforce, including difficulties in training workforce across oceans, languages and culture while supervising those workers whom they have never met one-to-one and also showcased concerns about issues of conflict resolution, communication, accountability, mentorship & succession planning which is quite challenging with such far-flung teams(Hacker et al., 2019).

STAFF OR TEAM MANAGEMENT IN RETAIL ORGANIZATION

Aversa et al. (2021) stated that, Team Management is the process required to manage and coordinate a group of individuals to perform a specific task and involves activities like communication management, teamwork, performance management, goal setting etc. Team management within the workplace promotes a unified approach to leadership within the team majorly when team building is implemented. The concept also solves problems through the implementation of critical thinking and negotiation and contributes to growth and development (Aversa et al., 2021). Example of team management includes communication, emotional intelligence and decision-making that enables managers to direct staff with empathy, confidence and logic. Many times, the office is no longer the only workstation where teams or employees work together on common business goals and is managed through different operations and activities. In retail industry businesses, team management plays a vital role in maintaining staff motivation and performance on daily basis (Aversa et al., 2021).

Krause et al. (2022) argued that, team management and team morale leads to better managing the workloads and feeling less overwhelmed at the workplace. In the retail industry teamwork and team, management is significant to maintain the satisfaction level of consumers with the products and services. Customer is considered one of the most important things in the retail industry and to maintain their satisfaction level a cohesive, friendly and professional team is required. Retail businesses like Tesco use different strategies and tactics for the management team. To manage teamwork the company ensures that every individual at Tesco understands what is significant which helped Tesco grow into new markets and nations (Krause et al., 2022). Team management helped Tesco build trust and faith in consumers' min that the products and services they buy at Tesco are sources and genuine. Different strategies adopted by Tesco to manage a team are effective communication, clear goals and vision, handling conflicts, encouraging team collaboration and providing constructive feedback. Using the performance indicator, the managers and HR department at Tesco can make effective decisions and adjust strategies. Mentoring and monitoring help employees work together in different job roles such as office workers, warehouse workers and sales assistants. For managing the staff performance, Tesco Company uses the Steering Wheel tool which indicates KPIs for employees, customers, finance, operations and communities (Krause et al., 2022). The colleague engagement program is another effective strategy carried out by the HR department at Tesco to enhance employee engagement with work. The programmes are communicated via different communication channels like own intranet portal, notice boards, emails, Yammer, social media platforms, TV screens and HUB. The leadership style of Tesco also motivates the team to provide good products and services to the consumers (Krause et al., 2022).

Based on the study of Belderbos et al. (2022) virtual team management is the collection of different activities like assembling, building, organising, supervising and controlling the virtual network and teamwork. Like in the physical space, the virtual team consists of a group of individuals who interact to complete different tasks and work towards a common goal. Instead o working in the same office, the team members operate from different locations making it challenging for the HR department to manage teamwork (Belderbos et al., 2022). During the COVID-19 pandemic, Tesco also managed the virtual team by considering different strategies and processes. Providing the employees with the right equipment and resources, effective goal setting, delegating the tasks properly, use of multiple communication channels, organising regular meetings and performance measurements are some strategies adopted at Tesco for virtual team management (Belderbos et al., 2022).

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF VIRTUAL TEAM MANAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT TO HRM

Based on the study of Arslan et al. (2021) remote working or virtual working benefitted the employees, customers, organization and the operational departments in different ways. Remote working informed every aspect of the business firm including staff motivation, productivity, and performance and employee retention. For businesses, cost efficiency and access to a global talent pool are some key benefits (Arslan et al., 2021). It becomes easy for business firms especially the HRM to communicate with talented and potential candidates due to no location limits. The HRM department is now able to hire and recruit talent from any location. No expenses for office maintenance, no transportation for employees, no resources utilization like WiFi and electricity are some factors that maintained the cost-efficiency. Remote teams also enhanced work efficiency and performance through round the clock availability. Maintain a healthy work-life balance, relevant meetings and easy scalability become easy and effective for HRM through Virtual team (Arslan et al., 2021).

As per the study of Gallego etal (2021) managing a team is not a simple job even for the HR department although virtual teams are emerging as new normal. Several factors make it challenging for the HRM to manage the virtual teams like the communication among the team and lack of focus and productivity. Poor communication between teams can lead to a higher level of stress, conflicts and disputes and missed deadlines which directly impact the business performance and productivity (Gallego et al., 2021). Lack of focus and productivity of staff also made it challenging for the HRM to gain competitive advantages. Work from the comfort of home results in a lack of focus and work engagement. Lack of knowledge and capabilities, independent working and no direct supervision also affect the overall performance and productivity. An individual working from home also shows a lack of accountability resulting in conflicts and a lack of collaboration and trust. Working with new and advanced technologies to achieve goals is also distracting and demotivated teams to work efficiently (Gallego et al., 2021).

According to Hacker et al. (2019), with the pandemic existing in the market, businesses are now preferring to undergo virtual office over traditional office setup and so there include some obvious advantages such as overall reduction in cost, accessing the global talent pool etc. In addition to this, it could also be noted that there include some drawbacks associated which can hinder the overall performance of the firm within the business environment. Some of the key advantages that could be noted based on the application of virtual teams include cost-saving wherein it could be noted that with the traditional setup, the firm generally needs to invest thousands of dollars in the office space as well as in maintaining it. But moreover, with shifting to the remote area, a drastic reduction could be observed in terms of elimination of rent, utilities, cleaning services, real estate taxes, food and cafeteria etc. And as the firm no longer stresses about these expenses, it would become easier for them to focus highly on scaling up organisational growth and in the attainment of success wherein competitive advantage could be gained by them.

Further stated by Ferrell and Kline (2018), an increase in productivity is yet another important advantage to be noted which is attained to the firm while the following work remotely and from the studies conducted, it could also be seen that about 34% of the employees feel more productive now in comparison to them before pandemic while they work from home. And so here there are various things to be noted such as while working from home, employees have got very fewer distractions and include no office chats which distracts them from their tasks delegated. In addition to this, working remotely could also be linked with the flexible working schedules that further allow the employees in being around for their personal tasks that might need only a few of their time. Along with this, employees working remotely can also start working at the time which is best for them wherein regular breaks could also be taken that would certainly help in making overall improvement in productivity. In addition to this, there are also include some more advantages related to undergoing virtual team management by the firms which include no unnecessary meetings, healthy work-life balance, and improved retention rate of the employees as well a reduction in overall carbon footprint.

Further argued by Shaik et al. (2020), lack of trust is one of the most important disadvantages that could be noted which states that when employees don't meet with each other they generally create a lack of trust and hence micromanaging things becomes really difficult for the organisation. A decrease in team collaboration also takes place since operating in a virtual team feels very impersonal and so it is not easy for the management to get everyone together in collaboration in implementing a single project. Apart from this, though a flexible virtual environment is regarded to be as beneficial at the same time it has become very isolating wherein the virtual workers may find difficulty in completing specific tasks and hence might not be able to ask for help at the same time which is one of the drawbacks that relates to social isolation. At the same time, there also include hidden technological costs wherein in order to manage the virtual team effectively, employees make sure to use updated software, different communication channels as well as undergo the right adoption of new technologies. Potential security-related risk is also faced by the management while managing the team virtually in order to attain success within the business environment (Lauring and Jonasson, 2018).

VIRTUAL TEAM MANAGEMENT AT TESCO

According to Glikson and Erez (2020), the management at Tesco, always ensures that they come up with new strategies to be implemented which could help them in making increase their focus towards the needs of the clients as well as able to gain a competitive advantage among other competitors existing. In addition to this, the overall team performance is also well noted by the firm along with delivering pressure in order to meet the set deadlines effectively. Along with this, the creation of a team wheel is also made by the firm in order to ensure that employees work rightly towards meeting the set goals and objectives of the firm effectively and so, Tesco management while working virtually is able to well manage the team and their working effectively. As stated by Gupta and Pathak (2018), management of people remotely presents a very unique set of issues that many managers at present find difficult. At present with the Covid-19 situation existing in the market, the management operating at Tesco make sure that they are well able to make development in high performing teams that enable them to handle the Covid-19 situation easily.

Further supported by Maduka et al. (2018), management of virtual team effectively has been well done by Tesco wherein the firm made sure that necessary precautions are being implemented so that spread of Covid-19 could not take further and so continuous involvement of various services were also introduced by the firm effectively. In addition to this, Tesco also focused highly towards supporting the customers as well as partners and helping them in preparing up for the challenges of working out in different ways. Along with this, in order to manage the team virtually effectively, Tesco also ensured that they make use of the best communication technology that could work best for the team such as the use of chat, video, email etc were utilized in order to stay connected with each employee operating at a remote location. Time zones were also treated fairly as well as proper clarification of the processes and tasks were made further helping the management in the attainment of success and growth within the business environment. The creation of a virtual water cooler could also be observed at Tesco which basically relates to social interaction as well as human contact made further encouraging informal communication through making use of the firm's communication portal. Though change is difficult and most importantly to be implemented within the work processes but with the help of various project management software, it was easier for the management at Tesco to help the employees prevent the work from slipping through the cracks (Cummings and Dennis, 2018). In addition to this, even during the pandemic existing, Tesco still made sure to hire the right and talented people with the firm in order to execute various operations effectively and so with the support of virtual team managers it has been possible for them to rebuild the team when needed and ensure that they hire the people that could work for the betterment of the firm and help them gain success within the business environment.

CHALLENGES FACED BY HR WHILE DEVELOPING AND MANAGING TEAMS VIRTUALLY

In the words of Maes and Weldy (2018), for the management and development of teams effectively, it is very important for the HR managers to ensure that they find the right solution this is basically the board issue but there are various challenges that could be faced by virtual teams while undertaking their operations. In order to elevate growth, managers operating within the virtual teams need to act proactively wherein they ensure that they grow the culture of communication, laying up clear processes, build up the team with the help of the right people etc. Ensuring the attainment of productivity is yet another important challenge that is being faced by HR operating within the organisation while undergoing the development as well as management of team in a virtual manner. In relation to trust, work-from-home at as a stigma which is a belief that employees will have less productivity and will not be able to implement tasks effectively. While this could be a case of certain employees existing within the firm, there are people that still thrive on the virtual teams effectively. In order to help everyone, attain success, the application of virtual work tools should be made by the virtual team manager that could further be able to outline clear processes and create benchmarks effectively. This would further help in building accountability and ensuring that the work continues to take place effectively (Nordbäck and Espinosa, 2019). Development of clear direction is also one of the challenges that is faced by the firm which shows that since there is not much interaction among the team members, it may be possible that clear goals are not made well-known to each employee that may further not help the firm in the attainment of success and growth as per the requirement.

According to Mammadov? and Jabrayilova (2018), it is human nature to undergo an interaction process and which is the main obvious challenge that is associated with working remotely that cannot be ignored nor can be resolved to keep in mind the pandemic situation existing in the market. Though periodic face-to-face meetings could be organised by the firm still it is not possible that online work relationships could be nurtured. Therefore, the management operating for the virtual team should ensure that they encourage the employees apart from their work and get to know about them more effectively which in turn would further help the employees in feeling more connected with the organisation and therefore they would learn to work together in the team effectively.

HRM THEORIES IN RETAIL ORGANISATIONS

According to Breuer et al. (2020), there are different theories of which implications are well implemented within retail organisations existing with the help of which attainment of success and growth is possible. Theories such as role behaviour theory, resource dependency theory, institutional theory, comparative advantage theory etc are well applied within retail organisations in order to ensure that various HRM activities are undertaken effectively further allowing the retail businesses to the attainment of success. According to Mak and Kozlowski (2019), the role behaviour theory implemented within the firms basically aims towards explaining and predicting the overall behaviour of individuals as well as of the teams which would further help the managers in their decision formation and to know about what are the steps that could be implemented for the management of people and the consequences related to it. Along with this, with the application of this theory, the firm also aims towards making improvement in the overall working environment and resources through which stimulation of the behaviour take place among the employees. Apart from this, keeping in mind resource dependency theory, the retail organisation further could be able to manage the resources effectively which includes labour, technological as well as financial needs of the company along with keeping in mind the external environment existing. Also, further supported by Seshadri and Elangovan (2019), in the present business scenario, resources are seen to be the essence of the organisational power and hence overdependency on external resources could be seen to be risky and related to uncertainties which further could not be controlled effectively by the firm and hence, with the application of resource dependency theory, it could be easier for the firm to manage its resources and implement the working effectively.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

The research here that would be undertaken would basically help in the attainment of information and understanding about the role being played by HRM in undergoing the development as well as management of virtual teams existing in Tesco. In addition to this, the researcher here will also ensure that proper steps are being implemented by them that would help in fulfilling the required research areas as well as help in the attainment of set outcomes effectively. In terms of research perspective, it is to be noted that it is crucial that proper methodology be implemented for the research to take place as this would in the attainment of required research outcome as well as gain the answers to the research questions formed.

Various aspects here have been covered by the researcher in the research methodology implemented including research philosophy, approach, strategy etc further helping in making the research more effective. Along with this, it could be noted that positivist research philosophy application will take place along with following the research paradigm wherein effective use of qualitative research approach will take place allowing the researcher to the attainment of information about the role being played by the HR management in management as well as the development of virtual teams mainly in context to Tesco (Alharahsheh and Pius, 2020). The exploratory research method further would enable the researcher in drawing relevant conclusions about the research topic. The use of Saunders’s onion research will help the researcher in completing the research keeping in mind various objectives effectively.

RESEARCH PHILOSOPHY

For the attainment of the required information, positivist philosophy here has been implemented by the researcher as through it proper testing of the hypothesis could be made which further helps in knowing the overall validity of the research made. Hence for the attainment of accurate and required research outcomes as well as to follow the empirical research method for the collection of information, the right application of positivist philosophy here will be implemented in order to gain the set outcome easily (Pham, 2018).

In addition to this, it can be said that with the application of positivist philosophy, easy attainment of factual knowledge could take place which could be reliable as well as would be limited to the information collected and interpreted.

RESEARCH PARADIGM

According to Pandey (2019), the research paradigm could be referred to as the set of common beliefs as well as agreements that are shared between the researchers so as to collect relevant information about how problems could be understood and can be addressed effectively. Here, the positivism research paradigm will be followed so as to generalise and attain justice to the research issue being identified here in the research which significantly shows the impact Covid-19 has created on the overall operations of the firm further making the employees undergo remote working and so manage virtual teams effectively. Also, through the help of the positivist research paradigm, it would be easier for the researcher to attain a proper understanding about human behaviour by undergoing reason and observation which will enable the attainment of required information effectively (Shaik and Makhecha, 2019).

In addition to this, it could be noted that here collection of secondary information in form of a literature review and primary information in the form of an interview will be collected and accordingly inferences will be incorporated effectively to further determine the overall validity of the research hypothesis formed.

RESEARCH APPROACH

The research approach could be referred to as the plan and the process which involves various steps that include broad assumptions wherein detailed methods are noted about the collection of data, interpretation as well as analysis. And hence it could be said that the approach is basically based on the nature of the research problem which is being addressed effectively and is divided into two categories which include the approach of data collection and the approach related to the data analysis or reasoning process.

Since the questions here are descriptive in nature and so, a qualitative research approach will be followed by the researcher and through the help of an interview, the researcher will well be able to gain the required research outcome in an effective manner. In addition to this, with the help of the interview process applied, the experience of an individual could well be noted further allowing the researcher in making a qualitative analysis of the interview approach and hence gain the set motive behind implementing research easily (Lauring and Jonasson, 2018).

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

This could be regarded as the particular process or the technique which is applied in order to make proper identification, process, select and undergo the analysis of the information about the topic provided and accordingly gain the required information. In addition to this, it could also be noted that there are 4 types of research methodology that could be implemented by the researcher and this include observational, experimental, simulation and derived (Zakaria and Yusof, 2020).

Here, in the research since no numerical based information is collected and so observational research methodology will be implemented allowing in gaining the required information about the role being played by HR in terms of managing and developing virtual teams at Tesco. By gaining secondary information, the researcher will be able to put the perception and thoughts of others effectively helping in the attainment of the required research outcome. Hence, it could be said that the use of qualitative research methodology would be the best to be implemented here for the attainment of relevant research outcomes and successful completion of the research.

RESEARCH STRATEGY

This could be regarded as step-by-step planning of the action which basically relates to the efforts and thoughts implementation further enabling in conducting of the research in a systematic manner and scheduling the same for the production of quality results as well as undergo detailing process. Here in the research, through the application of exploratory research strategy, it would provide the researcher with an opportunity wherein they could easily be able to attain in-depth study about the research questions formed and therefore gain the required answers to it effectively (Hacker et al., 2019). In addition to this, it could also be noted that with the application of exploratory research, it would be easier for the researcher to collect secondary information effectively with literature review as well as to gain information with the help of the interview process. Along with this, for the attainment of valid research information based on the research hypothesis formed, it would be easier for the researcher to implement an exploratory strategy for the collection of information.

SAMPLING METHODS

There are various sampling methods that would be implemented by the researcher in order to gain the required information about the role being played by HR in management as well as for the development of virtual teams within Tesco. For the research information to be collected and aim/objectives to be fulfilled easily, snowball sampling would be followed here since here the researcher is implementing a particular kind of interview which basically could be collected through the help of a particular organisation only and so only those interviewees would be taken up for the research that has got the knowledge and understanding about the company based on the research topic taken (Greenhalgh et al., 2021).

In addition to this, since snowball sampling is a non-probability sampling technique and so the sampling here would be taken up by the researcher only with the help of a selected audience that is well knowledgeable about the subject matter. In addition to this, it could also be noted that for the attainment of primary information through the interview process, the researcher will gain information with the help of 50 respondents further enabling the attainment of required information based on the topic considered for the research.

DATA COLLECTION

Data collection could basically be defined as the process wherein collecting, measuring as well as analysing the correct insight of the research takes place by making use of standard as well as validated techniques. Making use of an interview process wherein open-ended questions will be collected and literature review will further allow the researcher here in the attainment of information about the way HR is able to manage as well as undergo the development of virtual team mainly in context to Tesco. In addition to this, it could be noted that the researcher here will well be able to attain the information by making use of a qualitative approach thereby helping in the effective completion of the research (Greenhalgh et al., 2021). Along with this, it could be noted that open needed questions here will be asked by the researcher and this would be a telephonic interview process wherein the interviewee would have to answer the questions asked only in one minute and the questions asked would basically aim towards fulfilling the set objectives and answering the research questions formed. Along with this, it could be noted that the secondary information has been collected by making use of online newspapers, articles and journals. While there is no use of survey process implemented in the research keeping in mind the existence of Covid-19 in the market.

DATA INTERPRETATION

Data interpretation allows for processing the diverse analytical methods through which further review of the data could be done and accordingly the researcher would be able to arrive at the relevant conclusions. In order to categorize, manipulate as well as undergo proper summarizing of the data to answer the critical questions effectively, data here undergoes the interpretation process allowing for the attainment of needed research outcome.

Here, the data collected by the researcher would undergo a proper process as well as will follow the falsification theory formed by Karl Popper which states hypothesis should be testified so that an accurate outcome of the research could be drawn. Following this method would act as an aim through which the validity of the research could be noted and accordingly conclusions could be made (Zakaria and Yusof, 2020). In addition to this, it could be noted that this is the last stage implemented by the researcher to conclude the methodology and so here the researcher ensures that the research philosophy, approach, strategy and other methods implemented are compatible and relates with each other allowing in gaining the required data about the role played by the HR towards management of virtual teams existing in Tesco effectively.

LIMITATIONS OF THE RESEARCH

Following are a few of the limitations that relate to the research undertaken by the researcher and these include:

• No numerical information here has been collected by the researcher that may not provide the required research information effectively.

• Attainment of a different perspective on the same topic while collecting secondary information can create confusion in the mind of the researcher and hence may further be led towards not attaining the required research information effectively.

• Collection of information through the interview process and literature review is a very time-consuming process that might not able to form relevant conclusions on time.

• It may be possible that the research information collected through secondary strategy may not provide the researcher with accurate results as per the requirement of the research topic which is considered (Lauring and Jonasson, 2018).

• With the collection of information making use of the telephonic interview process, the researcher might not able to gain the required data aim and objective effectively and at the same time may make it difficult in drawing the conclusion.

FINDING AND DISCUSSION

Following are the interview questions that have been asked by the researcher wherein 50 interviewees have answered the questions asked and here is the overall summary presented of the answers gained:

Q1. Do you think virtual team management is important at times of Covid-19 existing in the market?

Based on the information collected by the researcher by taking interviews from 50 interviewees, it could be analysed that the majority of them believe that virtual team management in times of crisis existing in the market is very essential since this would help in the attainment of sustainability within the business environment and therefore allow the organisation in gaining success. In addition to this, the information collected also shows that with the outbreak of Covid-19, technological advancement has severely helped the firms in attaining sustainability wherein widespread concepts related to teleworking could be defined easily. Management of virtual teams with making effective utilisation of various advanced technology existing has further enabled the firms in the attainment of success and growth. As with the existence of strict government rules imposed, it could be evaluated that various businesses have been impacted harshly but still, with the new and creative technologies coming up in the market along with various online platforms available, the management operating within the firm is now able to communicate effectively as well as being able to implement different operations of the business while working remotely. In addition to this, it could be noted that working from home is a very complex process since the employees not only have to look towards their professional work but at the same time have to focus towards their personal work which has to be balanced effectively in order to gain success in both personal and professional life. Along with this. Managing the virtual team not only is the responsibility of the manager alone but equal contribution is needed to be imposed by each employee which would help in upholding the sustainability of the business even at times of Covid-19 existence in the market.

Q2. What are your viewpoints about the management and development of virtual teams at Tesco?

According to the data collected based on the viewpoints of 50 interviewees, it could be said that since Tesco is a well-known brand in the market, every effort is being made by the manager and leader operating to ensure that employees remain motivated and encourage to implement various operations of the business while sitting at home. It could be noted that though managing and developing the team virtually is very difficult but still, with the firm making use of various online platforms and communication mediums, they are able to make the employees remain engaged within the firm's working effectively. In addition to this, Tesco management also ensures that they come up with various fun and team building activities that could further help the employees in the attainment of increased satisfaction from their job role. Overall, it could be said that the management operating at Tesco ensure that they provide a balanced environment to their employees keeping in mind the Covid-19 situation existing wherein they make sure that right actions are being implemented in every manner allowing not only the business to the attainment of profits but also allow the employees in gaining various new opportunities existing in the market. Also, the majority of the responses gained show that Tesco management has got a systematic way of working wherein the firm ensured full safety of the employees as well as customers and so has implemented various precautionary measures that could stop the spread of the virus further hence impacting their business. Teams for different projects are made virtually by the firm and are managed with the help of organising various meetings which in turn further helps in the overall completion of the project timely and effectively.

Q3. What according to you are the different ways in which Tesco management is able to handle virtual teams?

From the information collected by the researcher, it could be evaluated that majority of the interviewee believes that the management of the teams virtually is a very challenging task that needs to be managed so as to create a corporate culture in a remote environment effectively. In addition to this, it could be noted that the majority of the interviewee also believe that a proper definition of the work system is implemented at Tesco wherein the management set out the standard goals to be implemented by the team members involved further allowing for the attainment of maximum effectiveness and allow the necessary freedom in terms of completing the task effectively. On the other hand, the establishment of multiple communication tools further allows the firm to the attainment of benefits wherein management could easily communicate urgent work with the employees and therefore can complete the delegated work effectively. Scheduling the regular meeting with the employees is also one of the best ways which are implemented by the management operating at Tesco with the help of which the firm is able to make the team familiar with each other since the employees are working remotely and hence no conversation is initiated among the employees. Video calls are the best way that brings ease to the management and reduces their stress while looking at the employees working effectively. Along with this, the formation of clear and detailed deliverables is also initiated by the management operating at Tesco wherein all the employees are made well aware about the goals that need to be achieved by them along with providing them with the freedom to implement, hence attaining the final result in an effective manner.

Q4. Do you think Covid-19 has impacted the retail business or it has provided the firms with more opportunities?

With the great changes taking place within the business scenario, based on the perception and thinking of the interviewees, the majority of them believe that Covid-19 have got its own opportunities and drawbacks that could be associated with the retail business scenario existing in the market. It could be observed that retail organisations with the outbreak of Covid-19 in the market have now started the formation of the new structure as well as circumstances commonly now known to be as the new normal wherein it could be seen that a wide range of impacts is taking places such as in the case of economy, politics, lifestyle etc which creates a huge impact on the overall working of the firms and its operations. Though for a change, with the existence of Covid-19, retail organisation have started making effective use of various social media platforms in order to communicate and make the consumers well aware of the product availability in the market which in turn have further helped in making an increase in overall sales of the firm allowing them in gaining competitive advantage in the market. In addition to this, pandemics being imposed by the government have helped the firms in knowing their status in the market and provided them with the time wherein they could come up with changes in the market that could further help them in attracting an increased consumer base. Employees, on the other hand, have also been benefited from the existence of Covid-19 wherein they have been provided with work-from-home facilities that have enabled them in managing bother personal and professional careers effectively and at the same time undergo the management of their skills easily. While it could also be noted that there exist various opportunities for employees to gain at the time of Covid-19 such as they could attain improvement in their skills and knowledge also, can manage their social, personal and professional life effectively. While, there are also include the drawbacks associated with Covid-19 existence such as it has made it difficult for the firm to manage the overall working of the employees wherein, they are not able to handle the employees hence employees face a lack of motivation and encouragement, therefore, leading towards the formation of dissatisfaction and increase in employee turnover. Also, based on the majority of the answers gained, it can be said that apart from the employees and the firm itself, Covid-19 has also impacted the overall behaviour and attitude of consumers which further led towards the firm gaining losses as consumers gave up on traditional shopping and so here firm needs to make the consumers aware about their online presence existing which in the initial stages is difficult to implement by all the retail organisations existing within the business environment.

Q5. What according to you are the advantages and disadvantages that are faced by HR in the management and development of virtual teams within the retail organisation?

From the discussion made with 50 interviewees and information collected, it could be evaluated that majority of them believe that there are disadvantages as well as advantages that are associated and are being faced by the HR operating within the firm in terms of undergoing the development and management of virtual teams within the retail organisation. From the data collected, the interviewees believe that virtual teams have effectively emerged in the market wherein strict scrutiny is being maintained and so, the existence of virtual teams has enabled the retail organisation in saving up the cost associated with office space, electricity, water etc and hence it becomes easier for the firms to outsource operations to the low-cost regions effectively. In addition to this, the firm is also able to leverage global talent effectively which is beyond the country of origin. Also, with the increased knowledge, greater innovations have been possible for the firm to come up which in turn would further gain the attention of the consumers effectively. Also, an increase in productivity and higher profits is possible for the firm only when virtual teams are managed effectively wherein the employees do not have to deal with any kind of bureaucracy that further slow down the overall decision-making process. In addition to this, management with implementing virtual teams effectively would be able to make a reduction in overall time taken to the market wherein the team would be able to work as and when they want to be based on their convenience without having any boundation of time which was earlier present in the case of implementing the work from the workplace. Also, according to the interviewee responses, it could be observed that there are a few disadvantages too that the management operating within the firm faces while undertaking virtual teams and these include the creation of conflicts, collaboration and lack of trust issues, social isolation, as well as increased technology cost. It could be observed that many employees within virtual teams are affected adversely due to a lack of social interaction being taking place among them and as this virtual environment is task-oriented wherein job is more important, it can be said that employees are not much social with each other and hence attain depression which harms the overall working of the firm at times of Covid-19 existing in the market. In addition to this, it could also be noted that there is various technology coming up in the market through which it is easier to manage the team effectively such as emails, Insta messaging, video conferencing etc which requires high maintenance tools that may overall increase the cost of the management while managing and developing the virtual teams within the retail organisation.

DISCUSSION

From the overall information collected with the help of 50 interviewees, it could be evaluated that the existence of virtual teams in the present business scenario wherein the outbreak of Covid-19 has severely disrupted the business is very important. In addition to this, from the data collected based on the viewpoints of each interviewee, it could be analysed that majority of the interviewees have got the viewpoint that virtual team management and its development is a big and complex task. It could be seen that with the outbreak of Covid-19 in the environment, the firms have now started making use of advanced technology that has further enabled them in implementing various business tasks effectively while working remotely. In addition to this, the information collected also shows that with the strict government regulation imposition, it has become all the more difficult for the firms to reach to increased consumer base but with making utilisation of creative and innovative technologies, virtual team management for the firms have become much easier as well as reliable in the aspect that it could help the firms in attaining increased success within the business environment. On the other hand, based on the viewpoint or the perception of the interviewees, it can also be said that the management of a team not only is the responsibility of the managers operating within the organisation but it also includes the equal contribution to be made by the employees operating remotely wherein they should have the proper understanding as to how they could be able to help company gain sustainability within the business environment by managing the team effectively. In addition to this, from the information collected by the 50 interviewees, it could be evaluated that the management operating at Tesco has well been able to undergo the management and development of virtual teams during times of COVID-19 existing in the market. Through the data collected, it could be analysed that Tesco made sure that they come up with different team-building exercises through which they would be able to engage the employees within the team and therefore be able to create satisfaction levels in their minds. With the responses collected, it could also be analysed that every effort is being made by Tesco management to ensure that a balanced environment is created for the employees ensuring the right application of knowledge, understanding and application of various operations effectively. Proper training and education are also provided To the employees at Tesco which further helps in the proper management and development of the virtual teams. Right usage of advanced technology Is well implemented by the management operating at Tesco through which the employees operating remotely are able to communicate with each other and are able to share knowledge and understanding helping the organisation attainment of sustainability and growth within the business environment. Also, to be noted that the teams operating at Tesco have got different projects delegated virtually by the firm and managed with the help of different communication platforms wherein meetings are organised on regular basis for the employees with the management to ensure the smooth functioning take place and no hindrance in the overall operations could be made. Apart from the information collected by the researcher after undergoing the interview process, it can also be evaluated that Tesco management has will be able to handle the virtual teams effectively though it was a very challenging task that needs to be managed for the creation of the corporate culture within the remote environment, still with the right efforts being made by the management operating at Tesco, the firm has been able to attain success and sustainability in the market. By bringing different strategies and marketing techniques as well as making the consumers will aware about the product and serviceability even in times of Covid 19 in the market, the firm has will be able to create its position among the other competitors existing. It can also be evaluated that based on the information collected by the interviewees, the required freedom is provided by the Tesco management to the employees along with the establishment of multiple communication tools that further helps the organisation in the attainment of the benefits which enabled the employees in the communicating well and therefor complete the wall delegated an effective manner. In addition to this, the management operating at Tesco also ensures that the schedule is the different meetings at regular intervals which is one of the best ways through which they are able to make the team members familiar with each other set up working remotely and incorporate team management effective manner. Video calls are another best ways that are implemented by the management which also decreases the stress level of the employees operating as they are able to communicate and present their thoughts to others effectively. Clear and detailed deliverables further helped the management in the overall success and growth of the organisation in the market.

With the data collected by the interviewer based on the information collected, it could be said that the retail business organisation has been impacted immensely due to the existence of COVID-19 in the market but at the same time, it has also provided the organisation opportunity to increase the consumer are about the product and service available in the market and therefore unable to make increased profitability. Based on the data collected by interviewees, stages, COVID-19 impacted the retail organisation drastically wherein the firms were not well aware of the advanced technology existing in the market but with the time, firms were bailable to implement different social media platforms and therefore unable to communicate with the consumers as well as employees operating remotely making them well aware about the company and its existence in the market. In addition to this, the existence of the pandemic imposed by the government has helped the firm in knowing their status in the market and therefore provided them with the time wherein they could come up with a certain change in their operations that could further help them in gaining success and attracting the Increase consumer base. In addition to this, the majority of the interviewees also believe that with the existence of Covid-19 in the market, they have got the opportunity to further make improvement in their skills and knowledge about the product and services being provided by the firm in the market which in turn would help them make more professional and therefore help them attain increased satisfaction in their working. While at the same time, it could be noted that interviewees also believe that there exist some drawbacks which are basically associated with the existence of Covid-19 in the market such as with the imposition of lockdown in the market, the retail firms faced huge losses since no traditional shopping remains to allow the consumers in purchasing product and services effectively. Along with this, based on the majority of the responses, it could also be analysed that Covid-19 has not only impacted the firm and employees but also the mindset, attitude and behaviour of consumers in relation to their buying habits wherein they are now much dependent now only on online sites instead of offline shops and this may act as a barrier for various retail organisations that still do not have their online existence in the market. Also, with the information collected through the help of interviewees, it could be evaluated that there are different advantages and disadvantages that are being faced by HR in terms of undergoing the development and management of virtual teams basically within the retail organisation and this includes that formation of virtual teams helps the HR in cutting the cost associated with the maintenance, electricity, water usage etc which in turn help the firm in making effective utilisation of the money spending and undergo investment in such as areas that could significantly help in the overall development and growth of the firm within the business environment. In addition to this, it also becomes easier for the firms to leverage global talent wherein the employees working could easily be able to come up with further innovation in the market and therefore increase the overall productivity and growth. Along with this, virtual teams are able to benefit the firm in making use of mutual and fast decisions without any boundation of time being implemented further helping in the attainment of success and growth in the market among other competitors existing. There also includes a few of the disadvantages which majority of the interviewees believe that HR management gains while undergoing the virtual teams' formation and this include formation of conflicts, lack of trust and social isolation of the employees which in turn further make the firm gain the repercussions. It can be analysed that with the various technologies coming up in the market, for the retail organisation and for HR operating within the firm, it becomes very important to remain updated and well aware about the new and innovative concepts coming up in the market as this would enable them in gaining success and growth accordingly. Also, the usage of various communication tools through which video conferencing and messaging are possible for the firm involves a huge cost that overall impacts the growth of the firm within the business environment but at the same time has become a necessity that cannot be ignored in the current times of Covid-19.

ANALYSIS

Here, from the data collected by the researcher making effective use of both primary and secondary data sources, it could be evaluated that Covid-19 has immensely impacted the growth and development of the firm within the business environment but at the same time, it has allowed the retail organisation in gaining knowledge and understanding in terms of making effective usage of technology within the working. Also, based on information collected by Hacker, it could be evaluated that with the pandemic existing in the market, businesses have now shifted their preferences in terms of operating from online sources along with online marketing practices that in turn would help them in attracting increased consumer base as well as create awareness about the product and services being provided by them to the potential audience. In addition to this, with the data collected based on the advantages and disadvantages associated with the formation of virtual teams within the retail organisation, Ferrell and Kline, believe that the employees are able to make an increase their overall productivity effectively and this could be evaluated on the basis of statistics gained which shows that about 34% of the employees feel that they have become more productive while working from home and along with this, they are also well able to manage their personal and professional life effectively. Lauring and Jonasson, also believe that more flexibility is attained to the employees with them operating remotely since they are able to manage their personal, social and professional life effectively wherein they are able to work as per their timings along with taking up regular breaks that make them engage within the firm effectively. Along with this, from the secondary information collected with the help of various sources, that virtual team management has become much easier for the employees and management since they are now able to undergo transparent and fast communication with each other while at the same time, it also disturbs the mental stability of the employees as no socialization has been possible for them wherein, they could be able to share their thoughts and perception about the things happening around them. Further from the information collected by Gupta and Pathak, it can be seen that there also include various disadvantages that basically relate to implementing a virtual team and undergoing its proper management that showing that HR operating within the firm will not be able to undergo proper team collaboration and its management. Along with this, it can be stated that the firm also faces the hidden technological cost associated with undergoing management and development of virtual teams wherein various communication channels needs to be taken up further helping in providing the firm with the right security as well as the smooth functioning of various operations.

Apart from this, Maduka also believes that team management basically could be regarded as the process which requires proper management as well as coordination of a group of individuals that could further be able to perform various tasks and activities such as performance management, teamwork, communication management etc. It could be said that through team management a unified approach prevails towards leadership that further helps in undergoing the right team building and attainment of success within the business environment. With the data collected by Shaik, it could also be said that undergoing the right management of the team allows for proper management of workload as well as allow the employees to feel overwhelmed further helping them in making an overall increase in productivity and success. In the case of Tesco, the management ensures that various strategies are being adopted by them with the help of which they are able to manage the overall working of the team effectively. It could be observed that the use of steering wheel toll that indicates the KPI for the employees, operations, finance and communities is well utilised by Tesco management which further helps them in maintaining good relations with the employees and therefore gain sustainability in the market. Different programmes are also implemented that further lead towards increasing the engagement level of the employees and in terms of the leadership style being implemented, it could be seen that the leaders at Tesco ensure that they motivate each team member involved so that the best services could be provided to the consumers. Also, from the information collected by Cummings and Dennis, the HRM department operating within the firms basically deals with various factors such as training and development of the employees, their safety, performance, compensation etc which could further be able to make overall development in the organisational performance. Along with this, a clear goal is also set by the management at Tesco helping further in the establishment of clear goals and responsibilities to be implemented by the employees that are working remotely. The core responsibility which is undertaken by HRM is basically to undergo the right management of workforce, culture and environment since this acts as a strong building block for the firm and its overall success.

Also, from the information collected making use of primary sources such as usage of the interview process, it can be evaluated that the management operating at Tesco has well been able to implement the working of virtual teams in an effective manner wherein each individual is motivated and encouraged to implement various activities of the business effectively and therefore gain success within the business environment. In addition to this, by implementing an interview process of 50 interviewees, it is also concluded that the majority of the interviewees have got the viewpoint that the HR department operating within the firm plays a very significant role in the overall success since with the help of the right HRM decisions formed, overall management and team development is possible allowing the business in increasing productivity and gain development. From the information collected from primary sources, it can also be analysed that although Covid-19 has impacted the business, especially the retail organisation immensely but still, with the implementation of the right efforts and knowledge, companies are now able to cope in the market wherein different marketing techniques and strategies are implemented by them along with ensuring that right satisfaction to the employees could be gained further leading towards secure organisation formation as well as remaining sustainable within the business environment. In addition to this, with the responses gained, it could also be observed that though Covid-19 has impacted various business organisations, especially the retail sector still, there include some opportunities that have helped the firm in undergoing the expansion of their business with having the online process and in addition to this, it also provided the firms with the time to come up with an improvement in their working effectively. Apart from this, the outbreak of Covid-19 has allowed the employees in making improvements in their skills and get to gain more knowledge and understanding about the product and services being provided by the firm within the business environment which in turn would allow them in attaining balanced personal and professional career and therefore can sustainable growth in the market accordingly. Also, with the data collected through the primary process, it can be observed that the majority of the interviewee's thinking and perception shows that retail organisations have been effectively able to implement the right usage of technology in their working that has further enabled them in gaining success in the market and remaining competitive in the world competing for other competitors existing effectively. In addition to this, it can also be analysed that virtual team management has allowed the employees to the attainment of flexibility wherein they could work at any time without any restrictions as well as can complete the task delegated accordingly. The information collected through 50 interviewees also shows that HRM operating within the firm plays a very important role in the overall success and growth of the firm within a business environment wherein the management here ensure to look towards new and innovative opportunities as well as threat existing in the market and accordingly come up with changes that are required for the overall betterment and growth of the firm. In addition to this, as per the perception of the majority of the interviewee, it could also be noted that the HR department operating within the firm not only look toward the hiring process and recruitment of the employees but at the same time they also make sure that no hindrance in the overall functioning of the firm takes place which basically is implemented by them in the firm wherein they come up with various strategies and techniques that could allow them in remaining within the business for the longer time period and therefore gain success in the market.

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

From the information collected by the researcher with the right application of secondary and primary information, it could be evaluated that a significant role is being played by HR that allows the firm to the attainment of success and relevant growth which is required within the business environment keeping in mind the other competitors existing. In addition to this, looking at the current business situation existing in the market wherein retail organisations especially are facing losses in the market due to the existence of Covid-19 in the market and so leading towards disruption of the overall functioning of the firm in the market, it can be evaluated that usage of advanced technologies have enabled the organisations in reaching its consumer base effectively. Virtual team formation has allowed business organisations to the attainment of success while making the consumers aware about the existence of the product and service in the market. This in turn has also helped the organisations in attaining increased profitability even at times of pandemic existing in the market. It could be observed that the retail firms have now started making use of various social media platforms as well as online websites wherein consumers can visit and place their orders making it easy for them to buy at their convivence as well as easier for the organisation to attain growth in the market easily.

In addition to this, it could be noted that though in the initial stages of the Covid-19 outbreak in the market, the retail organisation was not much use to the application of internet in their working but slowly they adopted this lifestyle in an effective manner wherein they gain various opportunities while choosing up an online business and along with this, employees were also able to gain opportunities in the market which they would have not received while working from their workplace. Also, according to the information collected making use of the interview process, it has well been established that retail firms need to make every effort to remain sustainable in the market and so here the management needs to not only look towards the consumers but also the employees and their needs related along with providing them with the right kind of motivation which could further help them in serving the business effectively even while taking up their operations remotely. At the same time, it could also be noted that there are different advantages that are been attained by HR with undergoing virtual team formation and its management such as the firms are now able to eliminate the cost associated with the workplace such as saving up on electricity charges, water wastage, rent etc which in turn further could help the firm in making its utilisation at a useful place which could further help them in attaining increased success within the business environment. Along with this, with the current pandemic situation existing in the market, it could be evaluated that for the firms it is very important to make sure that they manage their teams virtually in order to ensure that they eliminate the spread of the virus and further can sustainability within the business environment. From the research information collected making use of primary and secondary data sources, it could be evaluated that with making right utilisation of technologies existing in the market, Tesco will be able to ensure that they understand the wants and needs of the consumer base and they provide them with the product and services that could help cater their daily needs and make them remain at home while providing them with the best quality through the online services. In addition to this, it can be evaluated to the management working at Tesco ensures that usage of different digital technologies are made to make the consumers remain connected with each other thereby building strong relationship among them that would for the health in the smooth flow of operations. As it could be noted that COVID-19 has immensely impacted the business scenario and the overall traditional working implemented by the organisations, it has also enabled in opening up the doors for the digital technologies to be accepted by the companies mainly the retail organisations wherein the firm here make sure that with the usage of various online platforms available, they are able to reach increase consumer base and thereby make an increase in productivity and profit. Management of a team virtually though could be regarded as a very tough and complex process to be implemented by the management operating within the firms and so in order to ensure that the smooth flow takes place, the right motivation and encouragement also need to be provided to the employees operating remotely so that they could implement various operations of the firm and thereby allow the firm in the attainment of success within the business environment.

With the information collected by the researcher here in the research, it could be analysed that there are a few of suggestions that could be implemented both by the researcher as well as the organisation with the help of which they could further be able to gain success within the business environment and this includes:

Recommendations for the organisation

Though Tesco is a very well-known organisation existing in the market and has got the implementation of right strategies in its operating process, still in order to make further development keeping in mind the COVID-19 situation existing in the market, the management operating within the firm should make sure that they undergo proper research about the needs and wants of the consumers and accordingly provide them with the facilities as per their needs. In addition to this, the management should also come up with various schemes and marketing strategies that could attract the consumer base thereby increasing productivity and profitability. Along with this, the management should also come up with various interactive and engaging exercises for the employees that are operating remotely in order to ensure that their interests remain within the job role provided to them and this in turn would help the firm in gaining increased productivity. Along with this, the management operating within the firm can also try to work for the welfare of the society as this would also attract and create a positive image of the firm in the minds of the consumers thereby making an increase in success and development.

Recommendation for the researcher

For the research process to take place smoothly, the researcher should not only gain the primary information with the help of the interview process but can also implement an online survey questionnaire process which would further help in the attainment of the required and reliable data sources making the research all the more effective. In addition to this, the researcher with making utilisation of survey processes, will be able to not only gain the required information but also attain fair information that might not be gained by the respondents' face-to-face or interactive process is implemented.

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