Goal seeking and goal oriented projects – trajectories of the temporary organisation

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the theory development of “temporary organizing.” Design/methodology/approach – The paper advances the theory of the temporary organization by applying a process ontological-perspective. Findings – This research note conceptualizes “the temporary organization” as constantly changing across time and space; as shifting between two empirically driven modes: “goal seeking” and “goal oriented.” This is done through the shift of the trajectory of the particular “project” at hand. Practical implications – Based on the theoretical suggestions in the paper, further research is encouraged to find empirical support of and to develop its claims. Originality/value – Despite a call for taking the “organizing”-aspect of temporary organizations seriously, there is still a need for theory development of the area. By introducing the concept of “trajectories” into the studies of temporary organizations, the paper builds a theoretical framework through which such studies may be undertaken.