Meta-organization

A meta-organization is defined as an organization that is formed of other organizations, rather than by individuals. This concept was developed in the scope of management studies in 2005 by Göran Ahrne and Nils Brunsson.^[1] Meta-organization design is suggested to differ from organization design in that intra-firm design may have less of an authority in the former.^[2]

While the scope and reach of meta-organisations can be wide and effective (the United Nations being a key example), the contrasting values and interests of members, combined with high levels of independence, can complicate decision-making and hinder innovation.^[3]