Robert Massey

Interesting points rob. Writing in a forum like community of practice that is open to the general web community (COP outside an organisation) gives a truer opinion due to it’s degree of anonymity than inside an organisation. There are several factors that are involved and power as you mentioned is one.

I came across several articles and case studies that discussed issues of community of practice within the organisation. An interesting one was where a COP was setup to allow people to have medical discussions on issues and contribute information where possible on a regular basis. Due to the success, the medical director wanted to get involved and part take in the discussions. Very shortly after this, the participants of the community faded out, as people were uncomfortable sharing their views and knowledge. I think this to a degree demonstrates that the status of one person inadvertently can hinder an organisation into sharing their employee’s expert knowledge.

Depending on the culture of the organisation, for example an open door policy and ease of senior management, can give different perspectives on whether people think twice about what they put down. I think in all areas of COP or where one person is thinking about writing on a blog or forum whether inside or outside an organisation makes people think about what they are writing, however, outside an organisation a truer reflection on sharing knowledge is better than within an organisation due to the anonymity. I suppose it's easier to have an alias and write about something that to be known within the organisation as the person that spoke out at the companies director.

Hi Rob, Finally managed to sign up to EduSpaces... its only taken me two weeks...

Many moons ago amigo... about 2002 I think during a tour of Australia. Went on a Harley tour with this guy around the national park which was fantastic! Really spiritual place where I chose to walk around Uluru instead of the usual “hike” up it out of respect to the aboriginal people. Huge monolith emphasising how short a time we humans have been here. :]