metaorganizational

Metaorganizational refers to the level of analysis, structures, and processes that operate above or across individual organizations to enable coordinated action among multiple organizations. It encompasses the governance, norms, and infrastructures that span organizational boundaries, supporting collaboration, resource sharing, and collective problem solving.

The concept is used to describe phenomena such as interorganizational networks, strategic alliances, industry consortia, and platform ecosystems. Metaorganizational arrangements often involve shared standards, common data or technical interfaces, and governance mechanisms that coordinate activities while preserving some degree of autonomy for participating entities. They can emerge spontaneously or be deliberately designed, and may be formal or informal in nature.

Key features include boundary-spanning roles, shared infrastructures (such as standards, protocols, or common platforms), and negotiated rules for participation, access, and conflict resolution. Governance at this level may combine private arrangements with public or quasi-public oversight, aiming to align incentives, reduce transaction costs, and manage collective risk. Metaorganizational dynamics influence innovation diffusion, competition, and policy impact, as they shape how organizations coordinate at scale beyond bilateral relationships.

Examples range from industry standards bodies and open-source collaboration networks to multinational supply chains and digital platform ecosystems. The concept is closely related to meta-governance, organizational ecosystem theory, and interorganizational relations. Critiques highlight potential ambiguities in scope, power asymmetries among participants, and the risk that standardization may constrain autonomy or stifle diverse approaches.