A typology of knowledge sharing networks in practice

Knowledge intensive organizations often rely on knowledge sharing networks. Such networks, often called ‘communities of practice’ are found in many organizations but their forms and functions appear to be quite diverse. In this article we determine and discuss a number of basic types of knowledge networks. A literature analysis and a study of 38 networks in large organizations yielded two dimensions of networks, institutionalization and proximity. On the basis of these dimensions four basic types of knowledge networks were discerned: strategic networks, informal networks, question and answer networks, and on‐line strategic networks. The recognition of this variety of knowledge networks highlights the different ways in which knowledge sharing and creating can be organized and shows that these different forms of organizing require different technological and organizational support.