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. The book provides mechanisms to recognize, localize, measure and address vulnerabilities. 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. A set of critical factors to increase the probability of success of globalization strategies 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. The solid methodological underpinnings serve as a useful template for researchers, while the models can be contextualized to suit any organization.

 

Foreword by Mr. Ajit Balakrishnan, Chairman and CEO, Rediff.com; Chairman, Board of Governors, Indian Institute of Management Calcutta.                      

“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 oraganistional framework to support a `virtual' organistion, 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                                  

                                                                                                                                  

                      

Dr. Shekhar works in the area of Knowledge and Innovation Strategies. Her recent work focuses on helping organizations manage the challenges of global dispersion whilst leveraging market and innovation opportunities by extending organizational boundaries. She has worked at the confluence of industry and academic fraternities helping to build innovation ecosystems, in her former role as the first CEO of India’s first University Research Park. She also has extensive industry experience, having worked as Director, Asia Pacific Consulting, Gartner; CTO, BconnectB.com; Head, Knowledge Management Research, Aptech Ltd.; and Group Consultant, NIIT Ltd. She did her management studies at the Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore. She earned her PhD from IIT Madras, with her dissertation winning the award for outstanding doctoral research from the European Foundation for Management Development and Emerald. She currently serves as an independent director on the Boards of Bimetal Bearings Ltd. and IP Rings Ltd.