Technical Issues Facing Work Groups, Teams, and Knowledge Networks

View Sample PDF

Author(s): Lynda R. Louis (Xavier University of Louisiana, USA)
Copyright: 2006
Pages: 5
Source title: Encyclopedia of Communities of Practice in Information and Knowledge Management
Source Author(s)/Editor(s): Elayne Coakes (University of Westminster, UK)and Steve Clarke (University of Hull Business School, UK)
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-59140-556-6.ch089

Keywords: Information Science Reference / Media & Communications / Social Computing / Virtual Communities & Virtual Reality

Purchase

View Technical Issues Facing Work Groups, Teams, and Knowledge Networks on the publisher's website for pricing and purchasing information.

Abstract

Communities of practice have become prevalent in today’s business and educational environments. Loosely defined, communities of practice (CoPs) are informal groups within or across organizations. These groups are viewed to have a common set of information needs or problems. Davies, Duke, and Sure (2003) suggest that while not a typical organizational unit, these informal, work-oriented networks share a common agenda, interests, or issues. Millen and Fontaine (2003) assert that these communities are defined by a common disciplinary background, similar work activities and tools, and have shared stories, contexts, and values. Burk (2000) says CoPs are expansions of one-on-one knowledge sharing. This article discusses first the background to such issues as team formation, member participation, and sustained membership; it then considers future trends in knowledge capture and sharing, and the support such communities require.

The IRMA Community

Research IRM

Technical Issues Facing Work Groups, Teams, and Knowledge Networks

Purchase

Abstract

Related Content

IRMA Sponsors