Communities of practice: a model for their cultivation

This paper proposes defining a methodology of cultivation and integration of communities of practices (CoPs) and to create an evaluation model in organizations.

This research project was based on a qualitative case study design, with main units of analysis being CoPs. The objective was achieved developing an analysis model of CoPs based on the key dimensions created by R. McDermott and studying actual experiences in CoPs integration with this model. The reported research project involves 15 organization actual experiences of CoPs in very different kinds of organizations. Although the study analyzed different kinds of companies, the evaluation methodology is unique.

Based on the results of the study, a cultivation model of CoPs was created, which includes the detection analysis of CoPs in organization, the analysis of CoPs' necessity in organizations, the analysis of the appropriate CoPs in each organization and the evaluation model for the integrated CoPs.

All the actual experiences analyzed are documented cases. Therefore, it is difficult to find failure experiences and most of them are successful cases.

The cultivation model can help managers of any organization in the integration process of CoPs.

The main contribution of this project is the development of a valid and sustainable cultivation model of CoPs in any organization.