Mantel, PeterWagner, EvamariaSarah Helene RentzschBerlin International University of Applied Sciences2023-07-192025-11-282025-11-282022https://repository.berlin-international.de/handle/123456789/867AUTHOR-SUPPLIED ABSTRACT: Abstract: This paper provides an introduction to Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs), examining their use cases and comparing them with traditional hierarchical organizational models, with a focus on cost efficiency and transaction costs. Through secondary research, the concept of transaction cost theory and decentralization is established. The paper also explores the potential of blockchain technology and DAOs, highlighting use cases and future prospects. Primary research consists of semi-structured interviews with industry experts and DAO members. The results reveal variations in DAO formulations, a lack of societal utility-based use cases, and the potential risk of increasing the digital divide. While several benefits are identified, DAOs face challenges due to an insufficient legal framework and disagreements on the extent of cost savings in transaction costs. The paper concludes that further research is necessary, emphasizing the need to strengthen the existing qualitative research with extensive quantitative data models. Potential approaches for future research are presented. Keywords: Decentralized Autonomous Organizations, DAOs, hierarchical organizational models, cost efficiency, transaction costs, transaction cost theory, decentralization, blockchain technology, use cases, legal framework, digital divide, primary research, secondary research, qualitative research, quantitative data modelsMACHINE-GENERATED CONTENTS NOTE: Table of Contents Introduction 4 Literature Review Transaction Cost Theory 5 Decentralization 6 Blockchain Technology 7 Definition 7 Attributes 8 Use Cases 11 Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs) 12 Definition 12 Attributes 13 Use Cases 15 Outlook 17 Comparison of DAOs with Traditional Hierarchical Management Models 18 Methodology 21 Results and Discussion 22 Limitations 26 Conclusion 27 Bibliography 28 Appendices Appendix 1. Thesis Declaration Page 33 Appendix 2. Interview with Andrew J. Ehrenberg 34 Appendix 3. Interview with Mirko Zichichi 59 Appendix 4. Interview with Quinn DuPont 80 Appendix 5. Interview with Joel Z. Garrod 104engBlockchain TechnologyCost EfficiencyDaosDecentralizationDigital DivideHierarchical Organizational ModelsLegal FrameworkTransaction Cost TheoryTransaction CostsDecentralized Autonomous OrganizationsThesis