Learning and knowledge as interrelations between CoPs and NoPs

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to investigate the characteristics and interrelations between informal communities of practice and formal networks of practice and its consequences for learning and new knowledge at work.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study was conducted in a Norwegian bank using qualitative explorative studies and in-depth interviews with financial advisers and their leaders.

Findings

The findings demonstrate that in the absence of integration efforts via a network of practice, multiple communities of practice to ensure knowledge flow is not enough. By the same token, it is possible for new knowledge to be accepted where a community of practice functions cohesively in a singular form in close interrelation with network of practices, but only when both communities of practice and network of practices are supported by a participatory leader.

Research limitations/implications

The total of 30 in-depth interviews might call for further studies. Also, studying a Norway bank alliance does not account for cultural differences between countries.

Originality/value

To the author's knowledge there are no studies that investigate the interrelations between informal communities of practice and formal network of practices.

Citation

Filstad, C. (2014), "Learning and knowledge as interrelations between CoPs and NoPs", The Learning Organization, Vol. 21 No. 2, pp. 70-82. https://doi.org/10.1108/TLO-11-2012-0077