Virtual teams are a burgeoning presence in the corporate environment today. Research shows that virtual teams have begun to surpass conventional teams in meeting the demands of organizations that are increasingly called on to apply and respond to new technologies that support, and in some cases, require a virtual teamwork approach. In order to fully understand the factors that contribute to the success of virtual teams, it is important to explore actual virtual team members' attitudes and opinions toward work environment and performance. This study assessed the perceptions, attitudes and opinions of virtual team leaders and members with regard to larger factor classifications, such as communications, technology, team dynamics and effectiveness, as well as personal and professional satisfaction. A qualitative research design was used in this study, incorporating both interview and survey data in the analyses. The sample for the study included 95 virtual team leaders, managers and team members working on current or past virtual projects in a variety of businesses, locations, industries, and demographics throughout the United States. Participants were chosen through purposive sampling. A survey questionnaire, consisting of both open-ended and close-ended questions, designed to collect both qualitative and quantitative data, was used in this study. The participants generally reported that virtual team environments were conducive to better performance. Emphasis on achievement, support for diversity, independence and proactive information sharing were perceived as more important for virtual team environments than conventional team environments. Team member dedication, team leader management skills, and technological support were the most likely factors in achieving such success. Some common advantages of the virtual team environment were greater independence, ease of collaboration, ready access to experts, who would otherwise be inaccessible, reduced stress, fewer distractions, and greater diversity among team members. Future research should focus on individual personality characteristics and demographics associated with virtual team success, productivity, and performance. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]