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Blockchain and the emergence of Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs): An integrative model and research agenda

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  • Santana, Carlos
  • Albareda, Laura

Abstract

Decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) are blockchain-based organizations fed by a peer-to-peer (P2P) network of contributors. Their management is decentralized without top executive teams and built on automated rules encoded in smart contracts, and their governance works autonomously based on a combination of on-chain and off-chain mechanisms that support community decision-making. A growing body of literature has emerged exploring DAOs. However, there is a considerable lack of clarity about this organizational design and its theoretical conceptualization. To this end, we undertake an integrative literature review that reveals three main principles—decentralized, automated and autonomous organizations—and the following four theoretical perspectives mainly adopted to examine this novel organizational form: transaction cost theory, institutions for collective action, agency theory, and socio-materiality. By extending these theories, we propose an integrative model of DAO for research and theory building. Our contribution provides conceptual clarity and proposes a framework for future research directions.

Suggested Citation

  • Santana, Carlos & Albareda, Laura, 2022. "Blockchain and the emergence of Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs): An integrative model and research agenda," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 182(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:tefoso:v:182:y:2022:i:c:s0040162522003304
    DOI: 10.1016/j.techfore.2022.121806
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    Cited by:

    1. Nils Augustin & Andreas Eckhardt & Alexander Willem Jong, 2023. "Understanding decentralized autonomous organizations from the inside," Electronic Markets, Springer;IIM University of St. Gallen, vol. 33(1), pages 1-14, December.
    2. Hanisch, Marvin & Goldsby, Curtis M. & Fabian, Nicolai E. & Oehmichen, Jana, 2023. "Digital governance: A conceptual framework and research agenda," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 162(C).
    3. Alawadi, Asma & Kakabadse, Nada & Kakabadse, Andrew & Zuckerbraun, Sam, 2024. "Decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs): Stewardship talks but agency walks," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 178(C).
    4. Saurabh, Kumar & Rani, Neelam & Upadhyay, Parijat, 2024. "Towards novel blockchain decentralised autonomous organisation (DAO) led corporate governance framework," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 204(C).
    5. Chung, Kenneth Hsien Yung & Li, Dan & Adriaens, Peter, 2023. "Technology-enabled financing of sustainable infrastructure: A case for blockchains and decentralized oracle networks," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 187(C).
    6. Atul Kumar Singh & V. R. Prasath Kumar & Muhammad Irfan & Saeed Reza Mohandes & Usama Awan, 2023. "Revealing the Barriers of Blockchain Technology for Supply Chain Transparency and Sustainability in the Construction Industry: An Application of Pythagorean FAHP Methods," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(13), pages 1-27, July.
    7. Lukas Kung & George M. Giaglis, 2024. "DAOs' Business Value from an Open Systems Perspective: A Best-Fit Framework Synthesis," Papers 2406.12445, arXiv.org.

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