Getting Real About Virtual Worlds: A Review

Manish Gupta (Department of Management Science and Systems, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA), Sung Jin (Department of Management Science and Systems, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA), G. Lawrence Sanders (Department of Management Science and Systems, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA), Barbara A. Sherman (Buffalo State College, Buffalo, NY, USA) and Anand Simha (Department of Management Science and Systems, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA)

Volume 4, Issue 3. Copyright © 2012. 46 pages.

Abstract

Virtual worlds have emerged as important socio-technical artifacts in contemporary society. They have enabled unique business models in the digital economy. This paper presents a rich account on how virtual worlds have transformed modern society and how they have been presented as having outstanding benefits and promise, with examples of successes and failures. The goal is to synthesize the research and demonstrate an accurate understanding of this novel artifact and its multi-facet consequences. In addition, and more importantly, this review proposes a research agenda for the information systems discipline and assists in identifying critical issues on virtual world technologies and strategic management practices. The objective of this study is to establish a foundation for research on virtual worlds.


IGI Global: Getting Real About Virtual Worlds: A Review (1942-9010)(1942-9029): Manish Gupta, Sung Jin, G. Lawrence Sanders, Barbara A. Sherman, Anand Simha: Journal Articles