Knowledge management in virtual organizations as new forms of organization: A model proposal for organizing Celiac patients

Today, access to information has accelerated with the development of information and communication technologies, and has created an information process accepted by the society. Even though this provides a fast communication opportunity, it brings problems if not managed properly. Information sharing in virtual environments may lead to incorrect information transfers which are unknown, outdated, and visible to everyone while they must be confidential. With the idea that the problems can be solved by correct management of information, a model is proposed for effective management of information in virtual organizations. The study is a case study and celiac disease, whose awareness is unknown, has been selected. Celiac associations are both non-governmental organizations that organize not only celiac patients but also engage in awareness-raising activities in society (NGO). Data has been gathered by doing depth interviews with active celiac associations operating in Turkey and the information management model in virtual organizations has been developed by examining the nine themes obtained by analyzing the collected data within the concepts. The model is also supported by the descriptive analysis findings of the publications which are suitable for the research purposes by conducting scans around the world. The information management model in virtual organizations is composed of three basic layers in the light of the findings. Whereas The former is the information management process layer, the latter is the virtual organization layer. The third is a layer of strategic elements that includes support and facilitators both in the virtual environment and in the information management process layers. The model is tried to be explained in the context of the support and barriers of virtual organizations, unlike the information management models in the literature. Finally, a web based computer software was developed according to the model of the study. With the software, where the accuracy and sharing of information is considered a priority, access to the correct information needed by celiac patients will be provided rapidly through the virtual environment.