Twenty-fourth International Conference on Knowledge, Culture, and Change in Organizations

Abstract

Blockchain technology enables innovative organizational forms, notably the decentralized autonomous organization (DAO), reshaping governance and transactions (Hamledari & Fischer, 2021; Catalini & Boslego, 2019; Ellinger et al., 2023). DAOs lack a legal structure but efficiently coordinate economic activities, ushering in decentralized infrastructure (Al-Saqaf & Seidler, 2017). Addressing critiques of traditional corporations (Cheney & Munshi, 2017), DAOs, often mission-driven, align with calls for enhanced social impact (Ferraro et al., 2015). However, understanding and quantifying their impact remains limited. This paper explores how to capture alternative organizational forms’ impact, focusing on DAOs. Juxtaposing DAOs with traditional forms using contingency theory (Blau, 1965), we identify impact dimensions through literature review (Hage, 1965; Pugh et al., 1968). Building on this, an Input-Output-Outcome-Impact (IOOI) model is developed (Bagnoli & Megali, 2011). Qualitative expert interviews validate the model, addressing the measurement gap. The study contributes to nuanced comprehension and meets the demand for quantitative impact assessment (Logue & Grimes, 2022).