This paper aims at sharing initial results of exploratory research with a view to identifying critical factors for successfully managing firms embedded in virtual strategic networks, that is, virtual communities with strategic objectives. The research involved a survey of the leading firms in Brazil and an extensive literature review. The survey of CEO perceptions provided evidence suggesting that less than one fifth of leading firms operate in virtual strategic networks, marketing and supply chain optimization being the main reasons for doing so. It also indicated that most investments were dedicated to the construction of an appropriate information technology infrastructure and to the adoption of an adequate organizational culture for managing virtual strategic networks. As to the literature review, it contributed to the research's theoretical reference by providing elements for the development of a typology of virtual strategic networks to help identify the critical success factors at issue. As a result of both investigations, a framework was proposed to guide the definition of conditions that are necessary for the development of the different types of virtual networks. Also, critical success factors were identified in accordance with the virtuality characteristics of each type.
virtuality; strategic networks; strategic management; virtual communities; information technology
