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Communities of Practice

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The best source of explanation of communities of practice comes from Etienne Wenger, the man who developed the concept. From http://www.ewenger.com/theory/index.htm

"Communities of practice are formed by people who engage in a process of collective learning in a shared domain of human endeavor: a tribe learning to survive, a band of artists seeking new forms of expression, a group of engineers working on similar problems, a clique of pupils defining their identity in the school, a network of surgeons exploring novel techniques, a gathering of first-time managers helping each other cope. In a nutshell: Communities of practice are groups of people who share a concern or a passion for something they do and learn how to do it better as they interact regularly."


Learn About and Discuss CoPs With Others

CPSquare
CPSquare is a community of practice on communities of practice. A membership organization, CPSquare holds synchronous and asynchronous online interactions for those wishing to learn, think and practice leading and being in CoPs.
Com-Prac Discussion Group
A Yahoogroups based email discussion list, Com-Prac is one of the longest running internet discussions on communities of practice.

Preexisting Lens Links via DMOZ

The Meta Network
Helps groups and organizations build virtual teams and learning communities through organization development consulting, web-based conferencing, and facilitation services.
Community in the Workplace
Describes an anthology of essays about community building in the workplace, written by a virtual community of community-builders.
Etienne Wenger
Homepage of the Community of Practice researcher and consultant who coined the term along with Jean Lave. Features links to his widely-read publications on the field, including an exhaustive survey of technologies that can be used to support Communities of Practice.
KnowNet
Researchs and develops new architectures, ideas and internet software for collaborative knowledge development and learning. Features overviews, portals and contact information.
Efios knowledge management
Knowledge management consultants for building and supporting communities of practice, virtual teams and communities in the enterprise organisation.
Communities of Practice (CoPs)
At the simplest level, they are a small group of people who have worked together over a period of time.
Global Gateways
Global Gateways is currently facilitating Communities of Practice (CoPs) for Chief Information Officers (CIOs). We are also forming Communities for other management groups.
Communities of Practice and Pattern Language
James B. Smethurst. For any member of a Community of Practice, there comes a time to interface with individuals and organizations which do not form part of the Community. The difficulty of this situation is the issue of language. Every Community of Practice has its own pattern language, its own way of expressing and discussing the unique qualities of its chosen art.
Communities of Practice Discussion Forum
Group that discusses technology, theory and developmental practices. Features a glossary and links to related sites.
The Invisible Key to Success
Shadowy groups called communities of practice are where learning and growth happen.
McDermott Consulting
Communities of Practice researcher Richard McDermott's consulting firm.
IBM Global Services experience evolving Communities of Practice
Overview of the lessons IBM Global Services have learned since 1995 implementing Communities of Practice. Focuses on people and organization behavior, supporting processes, and enabling technology factors.
Communities of practice and organizational performance
Lesser and Storck of the IBM Institute for Knowledge Management argue that the social capital in communities, which may be virtual or co-located, lead to changes that positively influence business performance.
Human Interface
Lecture notes from a course taught by Chris Kimble at York University. Provides links to sources of information on knowledge management and communities of practice.
Cpsquare
Resources and information for individuals and organizations who are developing expertise in the cultivation of communities of practice. Features educational resources, publications and contact details.
Communities of Practice News Weblog - GuerrillaKM.org
A weblog about communities of practice and online community. Members receive regular newsletters. Includes a large library, events listing, case studies, photo gallery, and directory of thought leaders.
Seven Principles for Cultivating Communities of Practice
Although communities of practice develop organically, a carefully crafted design can drive their evolution. By Etienne Wenger, Richard McDermott, and William M. Snyder; published in Harvard Business School's "Working Knowledge."
Communities of Practice: a social aspect to virtual worlds?
The term CoP is used to describe many groups. Here the CoP is discussed as a means of providing the missing social dimension to the virtual world.
Where is the Action in Virtual Communities of Practice?
Paper argues that the transfer of a concept that is deeply rooted in the lived-in world to the virtual involves significant conceptual problems. By Christopher Lueg. [PDF]
Knowledge Management for Development
A website by Bellanet on leveraging Knowledge Management and Communities of Practice for the international development sector.
Communities-of-practice Starting Page
One of the largest resources on Virtual Communities of Practice with definitions, books, research, other resources, showcases and frequently updates.
Knowledge Networks: Innovation through Communities of Practice
Introduction, historical view and chapter abstracts of book by Pete Bradshaw, Stephen Powell and Dr. Ian Terrell. Features annotated references.
Knowledge Management Research at the University of York
Chris Kimble's research in CSCW and Knowledge Management, in particular, the representation and dissemination of knowledge in virtual team and in virtual environments. He is interested in the problems associated with cross-cultural or trans-national team and knowledge work in an international context.

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NancyWhite

First identity: chocoholic. Also known as choconancy. In her less-chocolatized life, she is a leader in the emerging field of online group facilitation... more »

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