Towards a Typology of Virtual Communities of Practice

The literature is packed with “one-size-fits-all” advice on how to develop intentionally formed virtual communities of practice (VCoPs). However, a closer look at the literature shows that VCoPs often have unique “personalities.” Based on an extensive review of the literature and a study of 18 VCoPs, we built a typology containing 21 structuring characteristics. We then used this typology and three of the studied VCoPs to show how different their basic natures are. Researchers and practitioners alike must not only recognize the diversity of VCoPs, but also identify challenges, strategies and practices that are contingent upon their specific characteristics.