Title: Virtual communities of practice: vehicles for organisational learning and improved job performance

Authors: Stephanie Allen, Stephen Evans, Donna Ure

Addresses: Instructional Psychology and Technology Department, Brigham Young University, 150-J MCKB, Provo, UT 84602, USA. ' Instructional Psychology and Technology Department, Brigham Young University, 150-J MCKB, Provo, UT 84602, USA. ' Instructional Psychology and Technology Department, Brigham Young University, 150-J MCKB, Provo, UT 84602, USA

Abstract: This paper provides a theoretical foundation for VCoPs by showing how they align with current theories of learning. It also presents findings of a study conducted on virtual communities of practice in international organisations where VCoPs were found to lead to significant learning and improved job performance.

Keywords: communities of practice; virtual communities; organisational learning; performance improvement; knowledge management; performance support; informal learning; learning theory; international organisations.

DOI: 10.1504/IJLT.2005.006517

International Journal of Learning Technology, 2005 Vol.1 No.3, pp.252 - 272

Published online: 18 Mar 2005 *

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