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Learning Community is a social networking model for knowledge sharing. There
can be two models: voluntary service based and business networking model with
accountability. CoP and KM
KM is primarily about sharing,
system thinking and coexistence
for the common good. In an
organization the community
of practice (CoP) for knowledge
sharing drives people to ask,
discuss, argue, share and
get right knowledge without
much limitations. This collaborative
network helps nurture smart
minds, build a high-performance
workforce and harness the
collective intelligence. In
the organization, knowledge
community competency management
must be tightly linked to
business goals.
Success Factors The real success
in depends on the behaviors of the members, focus, depth of discussion and our
ability to understand the noise and the context in all conversations. Learning
Community in business (professional networking) must be defined based on the knowledge
area, competency or team goals but not based on individual relationships. The
social networking model outside the organization (voluntary model) can follow
either my network or subscription based special interest groups (SIG) model depending
on the needs. In the business context, CoP or social networking model must
be linked to organizational objectives as best practice for collaboration while
encouraging natural convergence of minds to maximize benefits. It can be linked
to all business functions as well. Perfect moderation, review and recognitions
help to some extent. To maximize success, collaboration must be monitored and
measured through key performance indicators. Organized
Vs Open Forum: There are organized as well open (free form) CoPs. Some
have introduced hierarchy and organization to manage the activities. They have
committees, elections and so on. Sometimes they review, filter and selectively
disseminate information. There are open forum as well. Project Management Institute
(PMI) is one of the examples of organized CoP model. KnowledgeBoard.com,
YahooGroups, Google Groups, Ryze, LinkedIn are some of the examples of true CoP.
Its value depends on the ability of the participants to decipher the noise. In
some cases, moderation is also there. But this is designed only to filter or control
absolute non-sense or bad behavior. Obviously, this model is good only for people
with reasonable experience and maturity. If this is open to people with
less experience, then little organizational model or refined information organizer
will be helpful. Social Networking in Enterprises
In the past organizations
used to have email groups
and basic websites to drive
sharing across organizational
and geographical boundaries.
It was not an integral part
of business functions. Now
the expectations on the outcome
are high. To ensure success
in implementing a learning
community within an enterprise,
it must be approached systematically
with some accountability in
line with the common goal.
It cannot be just treated
as a voluntary service.
Flattening the hierarchies
to facilitate learning across
all levels will enrich the
workplace and make the workforce
more valuable. This model
of talent interaction drives
experiential learning.
Conclusion
A true community model is a natural existence. It should not be completely controlled
or forced to exist and grow. We can only nurture them through a natural sharing
behavior. Evangelism and success stories can enable more people to participate
in the community. The professional networking, a subset of social networking model,
is little polished and regulated. Without accountability and refinement, the collaboration
may not be very successful. The perfect CoP model emerges based on how well
these two controlled and open models are balanced, executed, leveraged and measured.
As much as possible CoP should not be influenced by corporate politics and organizational
hierarchy. | 
