Models to establish the efficiency of information and knowledge flow within virtual communities of practice

Abstract

Virtual communities of practice (VCoPs) are currently being used to share tacit and explicit knowledge. However, the efficiency of knowledge sharing within VCoPs is yet to be investigated and established. Thus, this research paper puts forward various knowledge flow models so as to investigate on how the selected best model can increase the efficiency of the sharing of knowledge within VCoPs. In this paper some models were discussed namely the spiral, dynamic, and life cycle or amalgamated knowledge flow models. The Life cycle or amalgamated model was adopted as the most suitable model as it takes note of the two other models and is also yet to be tested on selected cases of VCoPs. This model establishes its ability in enhancing the effectiveness of knowledge sharing. A major contribution of this investigation is the adoption of the selected model in VCoPs to optimize their information and knowledge sharing capabilities.