The Identity of Born Virtual Organizations: Exploring the Role of ICT

Recent upheavals in the world of work have put many organizations in the position of forced virtualization, turning their extant working practices upside down. Prior to this development, however, increasing numbers of ‘born virtual’ organizations surfaced in the IT sector and beyond. These organizations rely heavily on ICT and work fully remote, with many of their employees practicing digital nomadism. To better understand this phenomenon, this study compiles a case study of three companies from different sectors that have been operating virtually since their foundation. The results of semi-structured interviews define the concept of the born virtual organization and reveal that ICT not only shape such organizations’ identity but also foster individual autonomy, digital processes, constant reinvention, trust through social connectedness, and a shared identity impacting cross-organizational collaboration. This makes the born virtual organization a paragon for organizations aiming to transition into full virtuality