Virtual Organizations

Chapter 4

Chapter 4 discusses virtual organizations and how they have changed work environments. Although this comic is a bit extreme, it does portray the convenience virtual organizations provide employees. The flexible hours and lack of commute makes this a benefit to both the employee and the company. For example, I know someone who was able to experience these benefits while working for HP. This person worked for HP in a New Hampshire office for years. Then, he was able to start working from home most days rather than make the drive to NH everyday. Eventually, he moved to the area he grew up in in West Virginia. He only visited his office a few times a year when he was in the area to visit family. Although he was a few states away from his office, he was still one of the most productive people in his department. Being able to work in other locations other than the office has numerous advantages: not having to schedule around or live in a certain area just because work is there; companies save money on real estate by not needing offices for all employees all the time; saving gas and according to this comic, less laundry :) Many companies are using virtual organizations to their benefit and IT has made that possible.