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International Journal of Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning
Published in: International Journal of Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning 2/2015

01-06-2015

The impact of hierarchical positions on communities of learning

Authors: Martin Rehm, Wim Gijselaers, Mien Segers

Published in: International Journal of Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning | Issue 2/2015

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Abstract

Communities of Learning (CoL) are an innovative methodological tool to stimulate knowledge creation and diffusion within organizations. However, past research has largely overlooked how participants’ hierarchical positions influence their behavior within CoL. We address this shortcoming and provide empirical evidence on 25 CoL for a global training program, analyzing user statistics from 249 staff members. Our results indicate that participants’ level of activity and performance are significantly influenced by their hierarchical position. We also discover a duality among participants holding low hierarchical positions. The implications of these results and future research avenues are discussed.
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Metadata
Title
The impact of hierarchical positions on communities of learning
Authors
Martin Rehm
Wim Gijselaers
Mien Segers
Publication date
01-06-2015
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
International Journal of Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning / Issue 2/2015
Print ISSN: 1556-1607
Electronic ISSN: 1556-1615
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11412-014-9205-8

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