WSP forges teamwork and leadership in rural South Africa: Community project brings real‐world problems, challenges and learning

Abstract

Purpose

Focuses on how WSP Environmental is using real‐world community projects to combat the challenges of knowledge sharing, and to develop improved virtual teamwork, cross‐cultural communication and ambassadorial leadership.

Design/methodology/approach

Describes how a team of ten nationalities from eight offices was charged with providing a shelter to facilitate the work of a local non‐governmental organization in caring for HIV orphans in a rural community in Limpopo province, South Africa, where 50 percent of people are unemployed and around 30 percent live below poverty level, and where everyone is either affected or infected by HIV.

Findings

Demonstrates that team members were successfully united by this common and worthwhile achievement. One key aspect for their continued success was agreeing a charter for ways of working virtually, and ensuring that this charter was maintained.

Practical implications

Shows how WSP used the project to benefit a community and to address key business challenges.

Originality/value

Records that staff turnover has remained at zero up to 18 months after the completion of the community project.

Citation

Reese, A. (2006), "WSP forges teamwork and leadership in rural South Africa: Community project brings real‐world problems, challenges and learning", Human Resource Management International Digest, Vol. 14 No. 7, pp. 12-14. https://doi.org/10.1108/09670730610708141