Managing in Virtual Organizations

The virtual organization is a new and dynamic form of organization which is threatening to challenge more conventional forms of business organization. The benefits of this form of working are enormous, but these organizations can be very complex to manage. Managing in Virtual Organizations explores and simplifies the challenges of managing virtually and explains how the virtual firm can best be employed. Starting from the basic building blocks of these organizations - technology, knowledge and virtual 'space' - the book conceptualises virtual organizations as human, knowledge-based organizations enabled but not dominated by technology, and looks at the three-way interaction between people, knowledge and machines. In particular the book considers knowledge, its nature and role in organizations, and how it is managed; at how technology functions as a tool of virtual organizations, and how people can be managed in virtual terms. It then reflects on the use of the virtual organization as a strategic option, how general managers of virtual organizations should be trained, how they should operate, and the new skills they require. This will be a key text for undergraduate, postgraduate and MBA modules on virtual management, knowledge management, and management information systems, and highly recommended on organizational behaviour and strategy modules at all levels. It will also be ideal reading for managers who need to know about the issues involved with managing virtual organizations.

Morgen Witzel is editor and chief of Corporate Finance Review and Honorary Senior Fellow, School of Business and Economics, University of Exeter.