Supporting Facilitators in Communities of Practice via Design and Technology

View Sample PDF

Author(s): Halbana Tarmizi (University of Nebraska at Omaha, USA), Gert-Jan de Vreede (University of Nebraska at Omaha, USA)and Ilze Zigurs (University of Nebraska at Omaha, USA)
Copyright: 2009
Pages: 19
Source title: Virtual Team Leadership and Collaborative Engineering Advancements: Contemporary Issues and Implications
Source Author(s)/Editor(s): Ned Kock (Texas A&M International University, USA)
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-60566-110-0.ch006

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

Purchase

View Supporting Facilitators in Communities of Practice via Design and Technology on the publisher's website for pricing and purchasing information.

Abstract

Organizations have the potential to achieve advantage through communities of practice (COPs) initiatives. However, establishing and sustaining COPs is a challenging task. Facilitation is needed to help COPs overcome difficulties throughout their life stages. Facilitators take on leadership roles within these virtual communities, yet little is known about the challenges related to their roles. This paper contributes in helping to improve leadership in COP by highlighting challenges in facilitating COP and by providing potential solutions addressing those challenges. A recent survey of facilitators reveals challenges faced by facilitators in performing their tasks within COPs. The issue of participation was identified as the main concern in COP facilitation. Several design and technology initiatives are discussed for their potential to help facilitators in coping with the participation issue and providing essential leadership roles within communities of practice.

The IRMA Community

Research IRM

Supporting Facilitators in Communities of Practice via Design and Technology

Purchase

Abstract

Related Content

IRMA Sponsors