Thomas Dexter Lynch

PUBLIC VIRTUAL ORGANIZATIONS

Thomas D. Lynch
Public Administration Institute
Louisiana State University
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803

Cynthia E. Lynch
Department of Public Administration
Southern University
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803

Richard D. Withe, Jr.
Public Administration Institute
Louisiana State University
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803

ABSTRACT
This article argues that the virtual organization model (also called web-enterprises by the former U.S. Secretary of Labor, Robert Reich in The Work of Nations) can meet the challenge for our new age. This model is already in place in the U.S. federal government in the form of Cooperative Administrative Support Units (CASU’s). These organizations bear a close resemblance to Reich’s model and have documented significant successes. The article also argues that the implications and applications of the CASU in public administration are far reaching. This creative and innovate approach to responsible government warrants expanded use into new and diverse areas. Organizational designers should not restrict its use simply to role administrative activities.

This article draws heavily from the work of former Secretary Reich and Warren Master, Director of the National CASU Program in the U.S. General Services Administration. Both provide new paths of possibilities for administrators. Their leadership forges new and often brighter expectations for future organizational performance.