Cultivating communities
communities of of practice
practice What elements to develop?
aa quick start-up guide What are communities of practice?
quick start-up guide Domain: the definition of the area
by of shared inquiry and of
by Etienne
Etienne Wenger
Wenger Communities of practice are groups of
the key issues
people who share a passion for something
that they know how to do and who interact
Community: the relationships among
regularly to learn how to do it better.
Wh members and the sense
ere of belonging
to star
t ? set strategic context Practice: the body of knowledge,
methods, stories, cases,
A strategic context lets communities find tools, documents
educate a legitimate place in the organization
• access to expertise • reputation start discussing a community, • Domain that energizes • Strategic relevance of
• confidence • professional identity and identify potential leaders a core group domain
• fun with colleagues • network • Gather a core group to prepare • Skillful and reputable • Visible management
• meaningful work • marketability and initiate a launch process coordinator sponsorship, but without
• Help members organize an initial • Involvement of experts micro-management
organization
• problem solving • strategic capabilities series of value-adding activities • Dance of formal and
• Address details of
• time saving • keeping abreast • Encourage them to take practice informal structures
• knowledge sharing • innovation increasing responsibility for • Adequate resources
stewarding their knowledge • Right rhythm and mix of
• synergies across units • retention of talents activities • Consistent attitude
• reuse of resources • new strategies