Organizaciones Virtuales y Globalización

Introduction to Virtual Companies

• Bill Gates, in his 2000 book "Los negocios en la era digital," noted that the digital age represents more than just connecting people; it creates a global information space.
• Patrick Dixon (1998) stated that even small businesses can use the internet to reach global markets.
• Early examples of virtual organizations include Amazon (founded in 1994) and the organizers of the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games, who employed telework.
• In Argentina, "Supermercados Disco" began online shopping in the late 1990s.
• Globalization, a global economic, technological, political, and cultural process, has increased interconnectedness and interdependence between countries.
• Globalization is a dynamic process driven by democratic societies adopting new information technologies.
• Globalization leads to economic integration.

Virtual Organizations: Characteristics

• Virtual organizations are shaped by technology and globalization.
• They adapt production, marketing, recruitment, and management methods to internet technology.
• Virtual businesses often use contract workers and satellite offices to cut costs.
• They often focus on core activities and outsource non-essential work.

Fundamental Activities of Virtual Organizations

• Core activities are identified to focus resources.
• Partnerships with other companies (outsourcing), are used to complete value chain tasks.
• Management focuses on technological resources used in administrative tasks.

Factors Affecting Virtual Organizations

• Human Resources: Ethical behavior and employee skill are crucial to overcome the impersonal nature of the internet.
• Technology: Internet, telecommunications, and IT tools are central to operations and communication.
• Computers: Intranets and unrestricted internet access are integral parts of a virtual organization.
• Communication: Flexibility and interactivity are essential to interactions with clients.
• Marketing: Virtual organizations must use the internet to adapt their marketing campaigns.
• Logistics: Organizations have to use logistics companies to manage shipping and delivery.
• Telework: Virtual work is driven by technology allowing people to work from anywhere.

Comparison of Traditional and Virtual Organizations

Advantages of Virtual Organizations

• Use of telework: Allows remote work and cost savings.
• Scalability: Global business expansion with minimal investment.
• Efficiency: Rapid data processing and communication.
• Flexibility: Adapt to changing market conditions.
• Cost Reduction: Lower operational costs by using less physical space and staff.
• Speed: Quick response time to business needs with advanced communication tools.
• Global Reach: Access to a wider market with a wider customer base.
• Customer orientation: Personalized products and services for customers.

Disadvantages of Virtual Organizations

• Security and Privacy Concerns: High investments in security systems required.
• Maintaining Employee Trust: Virtual employees need to know their work is valued.
• Structure Complexity: Maintaining a flexible organizational structure requires careful planning.
• Reduced Relationships: Limited opportunities for face-to-face interactions can make building trust difficult, depending on the product or service being offered.

Virtual Organizations and the Social Environment

• Virtual organizations contribute to the global marketplace, offering businesses more flexibility and access.
• Globalized business trends mean consumers are more involved in the company's decisions regarding products and services.
• Globalization offers significant advantages for local businesses, enabling them to enter larger international markets.
• Globalized organizations need to maintain cultural awareness for their international customer base.