Looking For a Network Organization: The Case of GESTO

We present ten propositions to explore an ideal type of network organizations with emphasis on internal structure relating properties to organizational structure and processes. Network organizations are flat, flexible structures, with high reachability and high information access enabling learning. Based on an exploratory case study we use network analysis and find that this organization has the properties of a network organization. The employees participate in several networks, work is done in project groups that are initiated and organized by the employees. Oligarchy or hierarchy are not distinct features of the organization; the flexibility of the structures is demonstrated by showing that the members change network position in project networks over time. Tenure, the most important integrating mechanism, influences centrality measures, skill levels, and the ability to propose and organize projects.