Transforming Brick and Mortar Businesses to Virtual Organizations, Essay Example

Traditional brick and mortar companies are specifically noted for being able to operate under traditional circumstances. It could be understood that somehow, it is through the assumption of face-to-face transactions that these organizations base their capacity to develop as business entities. Most often than not, because of being based on traditional ways of operating, these organizations are expected to manifest particular control on the physical assets of the company including that of the human resource in a more direct option.

When time comes to transform the said businesses, it is essential to note that such types of organizations should take into consideration several aspects of change. These changes include:

a) Larger scope of market influence

Given that the internet has no barriers, it is expected that an organization aiming to go virtual should carry this fact into consideration. With such an idea kept in mind, it is evidently important for such organizations to manage the situation effectively. For instance, one specific factor to consider is the way the organization presents itself through the website. Administrators should see to it that the visual presentation of the website is superb and that it says what the business is all about as it is the main aspect of communication that the organization would practically be dependent upon which will leave first impressions on visiting clients. If for brick and mortar businesses, there is a shop; for virtual organizations, there is a website.

b) Complex way of handling human resource issues

One complex issue relates to the way the administration is to manage its human resources from wide distances. Communication networks should then be established so as to make sure that everyone is connected to each other when on duty, thus allowing them to function as a unified unit that is ready to serve the needs of the customers.

c) More effective yet challenging manner of closing deals and transactions with clients online

Like in brick and mortar companies, many individuals will visit the shop, but only a few will actually buy. The same thing is true when it comes to managing an online business; nevertheless, since there is a wider scope of market to be influenced, turning visitors into buyers could be a bit easier than the traditional manner of running a business. Nevertheless, administrators should take precaution when they establish their procedures of closing deals with their clients through online connections as such approach would help in creating loyal clients and invite prospective new ones.

As seen from the discussion presented herein, the difference between brick and mortar businesses with that of virtual organizations is the capacity of setting up appeal to the market. For an organization to survive the virtual community of competitors and clients, it is important to note that business organizers should not fail to see the impact that online strategy has on their operations.

References

Balthazard, P., Potter, R. E., & Warren, J. (2004). Expertise, Extraversion and Group Interaction Styles as Performance Indicators in Virtual Teams. Database for Advances in Information Systems, 35(1), 41-64.

Musadaq Hanandi, Michele Grimaldi; Internal organizational and collaborative knowledge management: a Virtual HRD model based on Web 2.0; the International Journal of Advanced Computer Science & Applications, volume 1issue (4),page 11 – 19. September 2010.