Description
Book SynopsisToday's economy is fueled by knowledge. Every leader knows this to be true, yet few have systematic methods for converting organizational knowledge into economic value. This book argues that communities of practice--groups of individuals formed around common interests and expertise--provide the ideal vehicle for driving knowledge-management strategies and building lasting competitive advantage. Written by leading experts in the field, Cultivating Communities of Practice is the first book to outline models and methods for systematically developing these essential groups. Through compelling research and company examples, including DaimlerChrysler, McKinsey & Company, Shell, and the World Bank, authors Etienne Wenger, Richard McDermott, and William M. Snyder show how world-class organizations have leveraged communities of practice to drive strategy, generate new business opportunities, solve problems, transfer best practices, develop employees' professional skills, and recruit and retain top talent. Underscoring the new central role communities of practice are playing in today's knowledge economy, Cultivating Communities of Practice is the definitive guide to fostering, designing, and developing these powerful groups within and across organizations.
Table of ContentsPreface 1. Communities of Practice and Their Value to the Organization 2. Communities of Practice and Their Structural Elements 3. Seven Principles for Cultivating Communities of Practice 4. The Early Stages of Development: Planning and Launching Communities of Practice 5. The Mature Stages of Development: Growing and Sustaining Communities of Practice 6. The Challenge of Distributed Communities 7. The Downside of Communities of Practice 8. Measuring and Managing Value Creation 9. Community-based Knowledge Initiatives 10. Reweaving the World: Communities beyond Organizations Notes Bibliography Index About the Authors
