E-Commerce and V-Business

Section Two

Shaping the virtualorganization

In contemporary business environments, organizations are faced with tremendous competitive pressures. The global economy, combined with issues of rapid technological change and the increased power of consumers, places huge demands on firms to remain responsive and adaptable (Drucker, 1995). Globally, common influences include rapid political changes, regional trade agreements, low labour costs in some countries and frequent and significant changes in markets. In addition, there are trends towards the changing nature of the workforce (older, better educated and more independent), government deregulation and reduction of subsidies and ethical, legal and social responsibility of organizations (Naisbitt, ...