Goal seeking and goal oriented projects – trajectories of the temporary organisation

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the theory development of “temporary organizing.”

Design/methodology/approach

The paper advances the theory of the temporary organization by applying a process ontological-perspective.

Findings

This research note conceptualizes “the temporary organization” as constantly changing across time and space; as shifting between two empirically driven modes: “goal seeking” and “goal oriented.” This is done through the shift of the trajectory of the particular “project” at hand.

Practical implications

Based on the theoretical suggestions in the paper, further research is encouraged to find empirical support of and to develop its claims.

Originality/value

Despite a call for taking the “organizing”-aspect of temporary organizations seriously, there is still a need for theory development of the area. By introducing the concept of “trajectories” into the studies of temporary organizations, the paper builds a theoretical framework through which such studies may be undertaken.

Citation

Karrbom Gustavsson, T. and Hallin, A. (2015), "Goal seeking and goal oriented projects – trajectories of the temporary organisation", International Journal of Managing Projects in Business, Vol. 8 No. 2, pp. 368-378. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJMPB-03-2014-0027