Product Description
Today'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.
From the Publisher
Written by the top authority on the subject, this is the definitive guide to developing communities of practice and integrating them into a company-wide knowledge strategy. The term, "communities of practice," was first coined by Etienne Wenger, who researched this organizational form. Provides a framework and practical tools to design and develop communities of practice and to launch a community of practice-based knowledge initiative. Details the five stages of development and mentions problems that are likely to arise at each stage---and then provides ways to prevent these and solve them. ● Offers richly illustrated examples from companies such as DaimlerChrysler, McKinsey, the World Bank, and Shell.
