Communities of practice: dynamics and success factors

Citation

Retna, K.S. (2011), "Communities of practice: dynamics and success factors", Human Resource Management International Digest, Vol. 19 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/hrmid.2011.04419daa.008

Communities of practice: dynamics and success factors

Article Type: From: Human Resource Management International Digest, Volume 19, Issue 4

Retna K.S. and Ng P.T.Leadership & Organization Development Journal (UK), 2011, Vol. 32 No. 1, Start page: 41, No. of pages: 19

Explores the dynamics and key success factors in the development of communities of practice (CoP). Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative case study, using in-depth interviews, was conducted in a multinational company (MNC) in Singapore. Findings – The findings indicate that CoPs can facilitate the creation, sharing and utilization of knowledge in an organization, positively affecting its strategy, operations and bottom line. The key factors that nurture CoPs to promote innovative learning and knowledge-sharing environments are leadership, culture and individual motivation. Practical implications – The findings indicate the value of informal CoPs in promoting innovative cultures with high levels of collaboration among organizational members. Originality/value – This is an empirical study that reveals the dynamics of CoP development in an MNC and the key success factors of CoP development from the point of view of the employees in the company.ISSN: 0143-7739Reference: 40AE948

Keywords: Learning, Leadership, Corporate culture, Motivation (psychology), Knowledge management