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Towards Blockchain Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAO) Design

Author

Listed:
  • Kumar Saurabh

    (Indian Institute of Management)

  • Parijat Upadhyay

    (Indian Institute of Management)

  • Neelam Rani

    (Indian Institute of Management)

Abstract

A decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) can be envisioned as an organization or society where its design, processes, and operational tasks are coded in the form of agreements or smart contracts, adhering to guidelines, values, and collective consensus. This paper underpins how organization design constructs (structure, strategy) and organization innovation constructs (innovation complexity, novel delivery) are related and sequenced to DAO transformation excellence (organizational excellence, organizational user expectation). An online survey of 262 blockchain DAO practitioners and researchers was conducted using SmartPLS to demonstrate empirical research findings (probably the first empirical research paper) on the implementation of blockchain DAO in organization design. The study focuses on understanding the role of blockchain DAO in organization design and innovation and how the users can leverage the technology, its substitutes, implementation readiness, and its impacts on organizations. Findings from the paper will help managers develop platforms and tools for various situations related to DAO-led organization design.

Suggested Citation

  • Kumar Saurabh & Parijat Upadhyay & Neelam Rani, 2025. "Towards Blockchain Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAO) Design," Information Systems Frontiers, Springer, vol. 27(2), pages 659-681, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:infosf:v:27:y:2025:i:2:d:10.1007_s10796-023-10455-w
    DOI: 10.1007/s10796-023-10455-w
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