Geographically Dispersed Organizations: Organization and Categorization

Abstract

Organization is not an easy task to handle especially when distance is involved. GDOs are the organizational structures derived from traditional organizing approach. Researchers and practitioners face problems in organizing GDOs due to geographical dispersion and other characteristics. These characteristics of GDOs like geographical dispersion, cultural diversity and crossing boundaries have to be managed in the forms and models of GDOs. This can be achieved by categorizing different forms of GDOs into different classes and then classifying GDO models based on characteristics which are discovered in this study. The approach selected to perform this study is through literature survey. Books and articles have been consulted and discussions took place with Supervisor for making strong theoretical background and for the formulation of this study.Geographical dispersion, ICT advancements, cultural diversity and crossing boundaries are the key characteristics which affect the organization of different GDO forms and models. In the forms of GDO which are; outsourcing, VO and alliances there is little uniformity in their classification. Researchers have classified various models of these GDO forms in different ways which makes it difficult to choose criteria for classification. Due to different criteria selected by various scholars, there is variability within those classifications which makes it difficult to reach to one conclusion. The classification criteria selected in this study is based on characteristics like; resource utilization, network, control, resource dependency and others which make it possible to unite these forms of GDO at one platform and classify their models based on these criteria. Categories are developed and classification is performed which will provide aid in further study related to the classification and organization of GDOs.