Referent Organizations and the Development of Inter-Organizational Domains

Complex societies in fast-changing environments give rise to sets or systems of problems (meta-problems) rather than discrete problems. These are beyond the capacity of single organizations to meet. Inter-organizational collaboration is required by groups of organizations at what is called the “domain” level. The required capability at this level is mediated by “referent organizations. ” Key aspects of domain formation are discussed in relation to the functions and types of referent organization, of which there are several varieties. Four processes of domain development are identified which compose a sequence.