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SeCtion tWo Change approaches & management tools
COMMUNITIES OF PRACTICE (CoPs) Description
A community of practice (CoP) is a group of people who share a profession or craft. They can either develop informally through a mutual interest or be created specifically to gain knowledge considered to be relevant to the field of enquiry. They are considered a good means by which to capture and disseminate tacit professional knowledge within informal settings through members meeting to share their expertise and experiences. In doing so they can contribute to the professional development of the individual members of the community and the community as a whole.
Use
Stages
1. Support the natural evolution of the community: CoPs are by nature dynamic and they need to be able to develop and change interests, goals and membership over time
2. Create opportunities for discussions and reflection: within the CoP and with outside perspectives to encourage different ways of achieving the COP’s goals
3. Welcome different levels of participation: for example a core group with leadership roles, an active group who participate regularly, and a peripheral group who learn from their level of involvement. This latter is usually the largest group.
4. Develop public and private spaces: CoP members should be able to develop relationships within the group as a whole and between individuals according to specific needs
5. Focus on the value of the community: in which participants discuss the value of their participation
6. Combine familiarity and excitement: to energize members through sharing their insights into practice
7. Nurture a regular rhythm for the community: coordinating cycles of activity which allow members to regularly meet, reflect, and evolve
(Adapted from Wenger, McDermott and Snyder, 2002)
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