This paper presents a critical review of some of the claims made for CoPs. It will address questions such as "Are CoPs really suitable for use in a business setting?" and "Can a CoP ever be truly virtual?"
The recently developed knowledge-based view of the firm argues that knowledge is the firm’s most valuable resource. Within this field of study, informal social networks are rapidly gaining attention as mechanisms which facilitate knowledge flows. Electr
Directing their discussion at a general audience, Hildreth and Kimble present 24 separately authored chapters exploring the application of the concept of "Communities of Practice" to knowledge management in business or commerce organizations.