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.
Table of Contents:
Chapter 1. Introduction
(Industry backdrop; Motivation for the book; Issues that the book seeks to
address and how; organization of the book).- Chapter
2.Understanding
the virtuality of virtual organizations.- Chapter
3. A
view from the top.- Chapter
4. The
strategic importance of knowledge transfer in VOs.-Chapter 5. In search of
determinants of successful knowledge transfers.- Chapter 6. The research
canvas.- Chapter
7. Organizations
speak through their data.-Chapter
8. Unraveling
the critical connection between knowledge and innovation.-Chapter 9. Putting the pieces
together.- Chapter
10. Epilogue.
About the Author :
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.
Review :
“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
