Risk Mitigation in Virtual Organizations

Martha Grabowski and Karlene H. Roberts
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Martha Grabowski: Business Department, Le Moyne College, Syracuse, New York 13214 and Department of Decision Sciences and Engineering Systems, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, CII 5213 110 8th Street, Troy, New York 12180-3590
Karlene H. Roberts: Haas School of Business, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720

Organization Science, 1999, vol. 10, issue 6, 704-721

Abstract: This paper examines the problem of risk mitigation in virtual organizations (VOs). We begin by discussing risk propensity in virtual organizations, and draw on a variety of research to suggest processes important in obtaining high levels of reliable performance in VOs. From this research we identify four processes we think are important: organizational structuring and design, communication, culture, and trust. Based on existing research done in conventional and high reliability organizations (HROs), we suggest how these processes may enhance reliability in VOs. We discuss how thoughtful management of these attributes can mitigate risk, and conclude with a theoretical and research agenda for future work.

Keywords: Risk Mitigation; Virtual Organizations; Network Organizations; Risk Management; Organizational Structure; Organizational Design; Organizational Communication; High Reliability Organizations; Organizational Fluidity; Interpersonal Trust; Organizational Trust; Organizational Culture (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 1999
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (5)

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