The purpose of this paper is to critically explore the communities of practice approach to managing knowledge and its use among management academics and practitioners in recent years. In so doing, the aim is to identify the limits of the approach in the field of knowledge management. The paper begins with a brief description of the communities of practice approach. This is followed by a review of critiques of the approach evident in the management literature. A number of further challenges are then elaborated. The limits of communities of practice are subsequently discussed and brief conclusions drawn. Copyright Blackwell Publishing Ltd 2006.

No abstract

No abstract

This article explores the micro-dimensions of Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) with the aim of developing an appreciation of the personal interactions that facilitate the success of these university-industry collaborations. Empirical evidence concerning the operation of three KTPs, collected through interviews with the key KTP partners and the review of relevant documentary material, is analysed through the lens of the Communities of Practice approach to situated learning. The analysis of three case studies provides evidence to support the value of conceptualising the process of knowledge transfer between universities and industry as one of learning taking place within communities in which the development of mutual engagement, joint enterprise and shared repertoires play important roles facilitating successful collaborations. Moreover, the analysis highlights the significance of the boundary spanning roles of the KTP partners in facilitating the knowledge transfer process through engagement in both the university and industry communities. By illuminating the dimensions of the inter-personal interactions the CoPs analysis provides the foundations for recommendations to improve university-industry KTPs, in particular, and, interorganisational knowledge transfer initiatives in general.

No abstract