| The United States Navy office that was studied is a virtual organization that uses its network of other organizations to accomplish its work. It experienced a loss and restoration of its Internet-based communications for approximately five months. The study resulted in a set of 23 different effects, which are the outcome of the actions taken by the people in the office to accomplish their work in the face of this disruption. In addition, the study contains a series of conclusions. The primary ones relate to the group's success in continuing to meet customer needs despite the disruption and that this success was predicated on the organization's structure as a network. Other conclusions relate to a paradigm shift on the part of the participants, a change in organizational identity, change management, management's role in the process of restoration (in particular), and the use of instant messaging as a work accomplishment tool. Finally, the study suggests that no individual or organization ever intentionally or unintentionally lose its Internet-based communication, especially for purposes of research. It continues with further research suggestions in the areas of networks, an office's performance, management's role in a virtual organization of knowledge workers, and people-related matters, such as paradigm shifts, their determination to succeed, and identity. Some methodological recommendations are made as well. |
