Title: Identifying the value types of virtual communities based on the Q method

Authors: Chung-Chu Liu

Addresses: Department of Business Administration, National Taipei University, 151, University Rd., San Shia, Taipei, 237, Taiwan

Abstract: Value types refer to attitude behaviours that determine virtual community participants| preferred styles. The study explores the value types of virtual communities based on the perspectives of the participants. Data was accumulated and analysed based on in-depth interviews and the Q method. Twenty nine participants were selected. The values of virtual communities can be categorised into three types: knowledge platform, aficionado networking, and problem solution. Results of this study identify the value types of virtual community participants and significantly contribute to the efforts of virtual communities| managers to enhance online social interaction.

Keywords: web based communities; communication; virtual communities; in-depth interviews; Q methodology; user types; knowledge sharing; virtual groups; online communities; value types; online social interaction.

DOI: 10.1504/IJWBC.2011.038125

International Journal of Web Based Communities, 2011 Vol.7 No.1, pp.52 - 65

Published online: 11 Jan 2015 *

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