چکیده:
Abstract: Nowadays, there is a growing trend in the constitution of community of practice (COP) through cell phone communication software. So, studies about COP and its functions seem necessary. In this research, the positive functions of COP have been identified through theme analysis, and then the identified functions have been categorized using exploratory factor analysis. This research has been done in two phases using mixed-method approach. In the qualitative phase, library resources and in the quantitative phase, researcher-made questionnaire were used. In addition, in the qualitative phase, the functions were identified through literature review. The statistical population of the quantitative phase includes employees of public organizations and private firms who are a member of any groups, consisting of their colleagues, on their cell phones using social communication software such as: Telegram, WhatsApp, and Viber. Purposive sampling was used to select the groups and the individuals. 446 individuals, within 19 groups, filled out the questionnaire. 38 main themes have been identified and divided into 6 categories of innovation and problem solving, information and knowledge exchange, collective identity, knowledge ability, continual development, gain and create value.
خلاصه ماشینی:
The statistical population of the quantitative section consists of individuals employed in government organizations and private companies who are members of groups created on their mobile phones via communication software such as Viber, WhatsApp, and Telegram.
Smart work methods that lead to improved performance through knowledge and skill sharing have increased attention to groups and communities of individuals (communities that are either self-formed or created by management) in order to improve learning processes.
Given these explanations, the main focus of the present research is on online and virtual communities of practice that are created through information technology and within the context of social networks such as Telegram, Viber, and the like.
Wenger, McDermott, and Snyder in the book Promoting Work Circles (2002) point out that communities of practice create positive functions for the organization and members in the short and long term.
For this purpose, first, 89 articles were searched in databases such as Emeraldinsight, Science Direct, and Wiley Online Library, of which 47 articles related to the research topic were identified, and finally, 15 articles and one book were used to identify the functions of the community of practice.
In the second stage or quantitative section, the functions identified in the previous stage (indicators or main themes) were categorized, and to achieve components and complete the research model, exploratory factor analysis was performed in SPSS software.
Managing social and human capital in organizations: Communities of practices as strategic tools for individual and organizational development.
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