Foundation for networking: A theoretical view on the virtual organization

Abstract

This paper is an attempt to explain the important impacts that organisation theory delivers with respect to the concept of virtual organisation. The authors believe, that not enough research has been conducted in order to transfer theoretical foundations for networking originating from economics or social sciences to the phenomenon of virtual organisations. However, a strong theoretical foundation of widely accepted approaches is necessary in order to justify and understand the profitability of virtual organisations. This foundation, built upon a solid infrastructure provided through information and communication technology, will result in a better understanding of collaborative structures in general and virtual organisations in particular. © 2004 by Springer Science+Business Media New York.