A systematic framework for analysing the critical success factors of communities of practice

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to briefly illustrate the test of an explanatory framework of the factors affecting the success of internal communities of practice (CoPs). Design/methodology/approach – The analysis is based on a qualitative case study of the formation and management of intentionally created CoPs inside a large division of a multinational oil company. Findings – The results of the study appear to confirm the utility of the framework as a tool for a sound and systematic investigation of the functioning of a CoP, and for understanding the reasons of its success or failure Research limitations/implications – Since it if the first attempt to test the framework, further empirical investigation is needed. In particular, it would be particularly useful to apply the scheme to cases of failure. Practical implications – The suggested framework can be of use for the design and management of intentionally created CoPs. In particular, it can provide insights into ‘‘good practices’’ or ‘‘mistakes to be avoided’’. Originality/value – The main contribution of the paper is the application of a comprehensive and coherent model, which can represent the initial step toward the definition of a ‘‘check-list’’ for the creation and management of CoPs.

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