Case Study, Collaboration, Community Building, Community of Practice, Face-to-Face Meetings, Internet-Based Technologies, Non-Governmental Organization, Non-Profit Organization, Online Community, Public Administration, Public Sector, Social Networks, Technology and Social Issues, Trust, Virtual Communities, Volunteers
ABSTRACT:
This chapter notes the shift of focus from "online communities" to more purposeful and focused online groups, including distributed Communities of Practice (CoPs). The author identifies the value of CoPs for Non Governmental and Non Profit organizations, suggests that CoPs are formed, stimulated and supported by catalysts, and are richer when contained within larger, more diffuse networks of people.
