Communities of Practice and Thematic Knowledge Networks aren't synonymous... if you're practicing, you're probably working in the industry... if you're talking about thematic knowledge, you're probably into research.
Kristin Kolshus - 15 years ago
I agree with Christopher, for a FAO context I would have voted for Knowledge Networks. The four options given here are not four terms for the same thing, though there is some overlap. Nadia's "communities and networks'' would have been an excellent general option in FAO context as well.
See http://www.knoco.com/Knoco%20white%20paper%20-%20evolution%20of%20a%20community.pdf for more on distinctions between communities of purpose, practice and interest.
Christopher Pardy - 15 years ago
I would have voted for Knowledge Networks. Before responding I went back to the IEE report and the term Thematic Knowledge Networks was used, but I think Knowledge Networks is clearer and more to the point. Not having that option, I voted for Networks.
I completely agree with Gauri on that differentiating between networks/communities in terms of informal and more formal is not a good way of trying to understand how they would work well at FAO. Yes, champions and shared interest/purpose are what makes for a useful and effective network/community, informality/formality does not really have a big role in this, not even as a dimension. I still think going for ''networks and communities'' rather than just ''communities of practice'' would be more inclusive in terms of terminology that is not only straightforward and understandable but also fits well with the language FAO's been using. But then, this may be just me! Happy to be disagreed with!
Liliane - 15 years ago
I wanted to suggest 'Community of Practice' (singular) as it appears on other coporate sites. I had no option but to tick 'Networks'.
Thanks Maiwada and Nadia for sharing your thoughts. I agree, there could have been other options, like the one you mention. I think, however, that the distinction between formal and informal is subjective. What does it really mean? In all cases of communities that succeed, the bottom line is that they all have champions (either appointed, or those that come up as ones naturally) who take lead in facilitating (either actively or just periodically). Additionally, these groups also function because the participants have a shared goal/task/interest.
I also feel that focusing on the small differences between, for example, TKNs and COPs takes the emphasis/focus away from understanding of the need for them to what are their definitions and the slight differences!
There is no ''communities and networks'' option. Communities are spontaneous and informal, networks are slightly more formal and (just seemingly) more strategic. This way of referring to them would be most inclusive and least ambiguous.
Maiwada Zubairu - 15 years ago
We do offen comfuse ourselve but most of the time we confuse other people more. Thematic Knowledge Network is prefered. Firstly, theme indicates area of professional interest, secondly, Knowledge encompasses both tarcit, explicit and experiencial knowledge and thirdly, network indicates who ever wants to be on the network or already in the network or wants to know what is happening in the network
Communities of Practice and Thematic Knowledge Networks aren't synonymous... if you're practicing, you're probably working in the industry... if you're talking about thematic knowledge, you're probably into research.
I agree with Christopher, for a FAO context I would have voted for Knowledge Networks. The four options given here are not four terms for the same thing, though there is some overlap. Nadia's "communities and networks'' would have been an excellent general option in FAO context as well.
See http://www.knoco.com/Knoco%20white%20paper%20-%20evolution%20of%20a%20community.pdf for more on distinctions between communities of purpose, practice and interest.
I would have voted for Knowledge Networks. Before responding I went back to the IEE report and the term Thematic Knowledge Networks was used, but I think Knowledge Networks is clearer and more to the point. Not having that option, I voted for Networks.
I completely agree with Gauri on that differentiating between networks/communities in terms of informal and more formal is not a good way of trying to understand how they would work well at FAO. Yes, champions and shared interest/purpose are what makes for a useful and effective network/community, informality/formality does not really have a big role in this, not even as a dimension. I still think going for ''networks and communities'' rather than just ''communities of practice'' would be more inclusive in terms of terminology that is not only straightforward and understandable but also fits well with the language FAO's been using. But then, this may be just me! Happy to be disagreed with!
I wanted to suggest 'Community of Practice' (singular) as it appears on other coporate sites. I had no option but to tick 'Networks'.
Thanks Maiwada and Nadia for sharing your thoughts. I agree, there could have been other options, like the one you mention. I think, however, that the distinction between formal and informal is subjective. What does it really mean? In all cases of communities that succeed, the bottom line is that they all have champions (either appointed, or those that come up as ones naturally) who take lead in facilitating (either actively or just periodically). Additionally, these groups also function because the participants have a shared goal/task/interest.
I also feel that focusing on the small differences between, for example, TKNs and COPs takes the emphasis/focus away from understanding of the need for them to what are their definitions and the slight differences!
Thank you once again for sharing your thoughts!
There is no ''communities and networks'' option. Communities are spontaneous and informal, networks are slightly more formal and (just seemingly) more strategic. This way of referring to them would be most inclusive and least ambiguous.
We do offen comfuse ourselve but most of the time we confuse other people more. Thematic Knowledge Network is prefered. Firstly, theme indicates area of professional interest, secondly, Knowledge encompasses both tarcit, explicit and experiencial knowledge and thirdly, network indicates who ever wants to be on the network or already in the network or wants to know what is happening in the network