Almost all knowledge leaders agree that a key element of developing a leading KM organization is to develop organized, formal CoPs. Most Federal Government and private sector organizations have numerous informal or semi-formal CoPs. However, knowledge leaders invest substantial resources in institutionalizing and formalizing CoP operation. Technology plays an extremely important part in organizing CoPs at the organization-wide level.
Technology and systems issues related to CoPs are addressed in detail in later. However, while technical issues are important and technology initiatives are a good way to focus organizational interest around CoP development, technology is not everything. Important cultural and organizational issues are involved in the development of CoPs. For example, potential members of CoPs must be made aware of their existence and see a benefit from participating in them. Further, cultural barriers must be addressed that frequently prevent individuals from participating in CoPs.
Based on the experience of numerous Federal agencies and a series of recommendations made by the Federal CIO's Council on CoPs, we have identified a series of best practices concerning the implementation of CoPs. These lessons learned and best practices are shown below.
