Knowledge Exploration and Exploitation in Virtual Teams using the Concept of Fractal Organization

Abstract

“Virtual teams” is relatively a new form of coordination, working and business problem solving. In this regard, research is at infant stage and many areas are unexplored. Main reasons of forming “virtual teams” include exploiting the experience of highly qualified personnel which are very difficult to find and place them in a single geographical area. Most important feature that “virtual teams” must have is innovation. Concept of “Fractal organization” given by Nonaka provides the basis for sustainable innovation. Virtual teams already have some attributes of fractal organization in chunks. Nonaka has provided a practical structure and process for achieving sustainable innovation. The inclusion of “Knowledge Triad” especially fronisis concept and rationale of simultaneous “exploration and exploitation” is a healthy addition in strengthening the idea of sustainable innovation. This paper explains how performance of virtual teams can be increased by using the concept of fractal organization. Furthermore, this paper tries to extend the applicability of knowledge management concepts for increasing the performance of virtual organization.