Managing the Reality of Virtual Organizations

This book comes at a time when
virtual organizations (VO) are proliferating exponentially due to the twin
catalysts of globalization and technological enablement. It provides conceptual
frameworks and simple tools for identifying and addressing the complexities of
managing geographically dispersed, virtually linked organizations, which may
have grown organically or inorganically into a potpourri of multiple cultures,
capabilities and practices. These can help to scientifically assess the impact
of virtualization, balance the physical with the virtual and manage risks using
early indicators. As ensuring knowledge transfer effectiveness (KTE) is vital
in VOs, a diagnostic tool has been evolved to measure KTE, isolate problems and
weak links and plan effective interventions.  Moreover, a set of critical
factors that could increase the chances of an organization’s globalization
strategies succeeding have been identified. This book interleaves theory with
practice and provides insights drawn from conversations with business leaders,
exploratory surveys, and in-depth research using a large sample.

“Sandhya Shekhar’s wide
ranging analysis moves beyond just the technology enabling today’s virtualized
organizations to a long overdue analysis of the opportunities and challenges
facing organizations looking to benefit from this historic levelling of the
competitive playing field. Highly recommend to all executives responsible for
leading into this brave new virtualized world.”

- Peter Bars

Senior Partner
Client Services | Consulting, Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, Melbourne, Australia

“This is a
fascinating aspect of organisations which is now ubiquitous. The complexity has
only increased over time. Given the need for a strong organisational framework
to support a `virtual' organisation, there has been limited focus on this area
and I am thus delighted that this book delves into this topic which should
assist both the observer and the practitioner.”

- Sandeep Uppal

Managing Director
& Head Commercial Banking/ India, Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation,
Mumbai, India
 
“Virtual Organizations are
becoming the new norm. The author has married her vast industry experience, in-depth
analysis of several VOs, with strong academic orientation to present new
concepts. Organizations will benefit tremendously by diving into the book to
unearth the gems that will improve their organizational effectiveness.”
- Dr. Ambi
Parameswaran
Advisor (and former CEO and Executive Director) FCB Ulka Advertising, Mumbai,
India