Contributions to Collections

Modeling the value of expectations in collaborative networked organizations

Abstract

Human expectations are a powerful indicator for motivation, commitment, and
eventually the success of a project. In Virtual Organizations (VOs), where many
different human actors from different companies with different corporate cultures,
values, and visions join forces for a common objective, expectations on the outcome
of a common project may widely divert. Especially, when it comes to collaborative
innovation project outcomes are all but certain: important success variables like
R&D costs, stakeholders actions, market acceptance of the new artifact, etc. may
change rapidly and dramatically (Fig. 1). Capturing a broad spectrum of
expectations from VO actors may help to gain a realistic image on the project’s
chances.