A virtual network organization is defined as “a geographically distributed organization whose members are bound by long-term common interests or goals, and who communicate and coordinate their work through information technology”. Virtual network organizations are considered one of the new organizational forms that technology makes possible. Previous research and theory related to virtual network organizations has focused on management of risk, structure organizational identification , use of technology , roles , trust, and management of workers. A concern at the core of these studies is how information communication technology and geographic distribution effect organizing communication. The present research is similarly focused on the impact of these factors.
Social movement scholars have recognized that changes, similar to the changes in for-profit organizations described by virtual network organization scholars, are occurring within and among SMOs. Researchers have examined the geographically distributed and technology-mediated structures that appear to be operating in the environmental movement and the landmine ban movement. Other researchers have noted the growth of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), both in terms of number of organizations and the density of alliances among NGOs ;. An increase in the use of information communication technologies has greatly impacted the social movement sector. However, despite an increased recognition of the impact of virtualness, little research to date has examined how geographic dispersion and reliance on information communication technologies have impacted SMO organizing.
Subject: virtual organization 
Thu Apr 24, 2014 10:17 pm
