the latest issue of organizational dynamics has an article entitled ‘conflict resolution in virtual teams’. below is the abstract and citation details. i don’t have access to the article so haven’t read it yet but it would be fascinating to read about negotiation and mediation.

Conflict Resolution in Virtual Teams
Yuhyung Shin. Organizational Dynamics. New York: 2005.Vol.34, Iss. 4; pg. 331

Despite the wide spread of virtual teams, little has been known abut group processes, let alone conflict resolution, in such teams. A growing number of organizations are adopting virtual team systems to deal with the rapidly changing environment. To increase the effectiveness of virtual teams, sources of conflict and ways to resolve conflict should be explored. This paper aims at identifying sources of conflict in virtual teams and suggesting how they can be resolved using electronic means. Virtual negotiation and mediation systems are introduced as conflict resolution mechanisms for virtual team members. In addition, examples of virtual negotiation and mediation are provided to help readers understand the process of virtual conflict resolution. Assessment and training of virtual conflict resolution skills as well as the implications of virtual conflict resolution systems are addressed.