Organizations are networking together and collaborating more than ever before. The concept of a boundaryless organization was invented at General Electric and explained in the book The Boundaryless Organization: Breaking the Chains of Organizational Structure. They are perfect for rapid innovation, and therefore ideal for companies in the growing technology industry.
Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images
Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images
With the Internet and phones boundaryless, organizations easily defy geographical challenges faced by businesses.
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* Definition
Boundaryless organizations "transcend the rigid lines of bureaucracy and divisional boundaries within a corporation and ignore the borders where the corporation itself is separated from its markets, customers and 'stakeholders'" defines QFinance. Focusing on fluid and adaptive behavior, these organic structures welcome and thrive on change. The informal managerial style is well suited for intricate and "non-standard" work. * Company Characteristics
Boundaryless organizations communicate mainly through email, phone and other virtual methods rather than more traditional face-to-face communication. The freedom to telecommute with international employees removes geographical barriers to productivity and allows for schedule flexibility. By organizing expert employees in groups and giving them decision-making authority, these companies can change quickly to meet needs and function efficiently in an ill-defined hierarchy. * Employee Role
"Employees no longer work in isolation but work as part of a team on broad, company-wide projects, quality management, just-in-time methods, lean production, and supply-chain management," reports US Legal. To be successful, you should feel comfortable in a chaotic free-form workplace and have an ease of working with people to orchestrate the incredible amount of networking required. When employees manage and