scholarly journals Entrepreneurial learning in online communities

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Kalum Schou ◽  
Eliane Bucher ◽  
Matthias Waldkirch
Keyword(s):  
Online Communities ◽  
Online Community ◽  
Digital Technologies ◽  
Vicarious Learning ◽  
Entrepreneurial Learning ◽  
Socially Constructed ◽  
Doing Business ◽  
Learning Contexts ◽  
Time Space ◽  
Learning Conversations

Abstract New digital technologies possess the potential to transform entrepreneurial processes, such as how entrepreneurs pursue opportunities and access funding and how they learn. How entrepreneurs learn may be transformed as digital technologies provide new spaces for learning, such as online communities. Online communities can gather thousands of participants and provide entrepreneurs with new opportunities for learning that are not limited by time, space, or social class. Yet, we know little about how entrepreneurs take advantage of the new digital opportunities of learning. To remedy this, we studied a large online community of entrepreneurs on Reddit (r/startups), where we qualitatively analyzed the top-voted 100 threads from 2018 to 2019 (10,277 comments in total). By drawing on coactive vicarious learning, a theory that describes how learning is socially constructed through discursive interactions, we outline how entrepreneurial learning is socially constructed through conversations, which are taking place in different micro-learning contexts. Through identifying distinct entrepreneurial learning conversations, we build new theory on entrepreneurial learning in online communities. Our theorizing contributes to (1) the growing research on how entrepreneurial learning is socially constructed in communities, (2) the current debate on knowledge creation in online communities, and (3) the knowledge on how coactive vicarious learning unfolds in communities. Plain English Summary When entrepreneurs go online to learn, new research shows how online communities provide entrepreneurs with diverse learning spaces for developing ideas, learning new skills, and coping with the uncertainties of being an entrepreneur. Entrepreneurs increasingly use social media for doing business, but can they also use it to learn about doing business? In this article, we investigate this question by studying an online community of entrepreneurs on Reddit called r/startups, in which entrepreneurs exchange experiences and help each other with questions and issues. We show that entrepreneurial learning is taking place in five forms of learning conversations, which are situated in four learning contexts that differ from each other, from a classroom with a student–teacher dynamic, a collab space where entrepreneurs collect ideas and develop new skills and knowledge, a club context in which they challenge each other, and a care context in which they can bring their fears and uncertainties. Our findings show how entrepreneurship practitioners can make use of online communities, encouraging teaching and policy to pay more attention to how entrepreneurs work digitally.

scholarly journals From protest to parliament: The role of digital technologies within an online community

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 35-45
Author(s):  
Øystein Sæbø ◽  
Tommaso Federici ◽  
Alessio Maria Braccini
Keyword(s):  
Online Communities ◽  
Online Community ◽  
Digital Technologies ◽  
Digital Platforms ◽  
Movement Organization ◽  
Five Star Movement ◽  
Italian Politics ◽  
The Government ◽  
Political Decisions

Our teaching case introduces the story of how the Italian Five Star Movement used digital technologies in the growth from a personal blog discussing politics back in 2005 to the most voted party in the Italian election in 2018, becoming part of the government. The Italian Five Star Movement is among the largest eParticipation initiatives globally. It is (almost) totally organized through the use of digital platforms. Members form online communities and are continuously invited to discuss and make decisions that end up into Italian politics. Adopting a chronological perspective, we describe the development of the Italian Five Star Movement, focusing on their use of digital technologies at various stages and for various purposes. The case illustrates the growth of online communities and the advent of a social movement organization within the political sphere, and how to organize for members to discuss and make political decisions online. Furthermore, it demonstrates the growth of online communities and opportunities and challenges faced with such a quick progress.

scholarly journals Does Online Community Participation Contribute to Medication Adherence? An Empirical Study of Patients with Chronic Diseases

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (10) ◽  
pp. 5100
Author(s):  
Jyh-Jeng Wu ◽  
Yueh-Mei Chen ◽  
Paul C. Talley ◽  
Kuang-Ming Kuo
Keyword(s):  
Medication Adherence ◽  
Chronic Diseases ◽  
Online Communities ◽  
Emotional Support ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Online Community ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Informational Support ◽  
Chronic Patients ◽  
The Relationship

Effectively improving the medication adherence of patients is crucial. Past studies focused on treatment-related factors, but little attention has been paid to factors concerning human beliefs such as trust or self-efficacy. The purpose of this study is to explore the following aspects of patients with chronic diseases: (1) The relationship between emotional support, informational support, self-efficacy, and trust; (2) the relationship between self-efficacy, trust, and medication adherence; and, (3) whether chronic patients’ participation in different types of online communities brings about significant statistical differences in the relationships between the abovementioned variables. A questionnaire survey was conducted in this study, with 452 valid questionnaires collected from chronic patients previously participating in online community activities. Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modeling analysis showed that emotional support and informational support positively predict self-efficacy and trust, respectively, and consequently, self-efficacy and trust positively predict medication adherence. In addition, three relationships including the influence of emotional support on trust, the influence of trust on medication adherence, and the influence of self-efficacy on medication adherence, the types of online communities result in significant statistical differences. Based on the findings, this research suggests healthcare professionals can enhance patients’ self-efficacy in self-care by providing necessary health information via face-to-face or online communities, and assuring patients of demonstrable support. As such, patients’ levels of trust in healthcare professionals can be established, which in turn improves their medication adherence.

Understanding Performance Coach Development: Perceptions About a Postgraduate Coach Education Program

2015 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jamie Araya ◽  
Andrew Bennie ◽  
Donna O’Connor
Keyword(s):  
Informal Learning ◽  
Community Of Practice ◽  
Formal Learning ◽  
Coach Education ◽  
Types Of Knowledge ◽  
Socially Constructed ◽  
Learning Contexts ◽  
Diverse Learning ◽  
Coach Development ◽  
Semistructured Interviews

The purpose of this study was to enrich our understanding of formal coach education settings. We investigated how coaches developed knowledge during a postgraduate tertiary coach education course. We also explored coaches’ perceptions of changes they made to their coaching attitudes, behaviours, skills, and practices as a result of their studies. Semistructured interviews1were conducted with 17 performance coaches. Results revealed that coaches developed knowledge through rich learning situations that were relevant to their coaching context. Furthermore, the three types of knowledge (professional, interpersonal and intrapersonal; Côté & Gilbert, 2009) were fostered in an environment that was socially constructed through a Community of Practice. Coaches felt they were better equipped to develop athlete performance as a result of the knowledge gained through the course. The findings reinforce the importance of developing formal coach education that is learner-centred, provides diverse learning experiences, and embraces informal learning concepts when embedded in formal learning contexts.

Doing Business Abroad: The Problem of Training for Cultural Differences in Communication

1983 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 341-347
Author(s):  
John P. Daniels ◽  
Hugh M. Shane ◽  
Jerry L. Wall
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Differences ◽  
Present Article ◽  
Host Country ◽  
Cultural Influences ◽  
Effective Communication ◽  
Sociological Factors ◽  
Efficient Management ◽  
Doing Business ◽  
Foreign Culture ◽  
Time Space

Effective communication is essential for efficient management. Yet, the problem of communication is exacerbated when the manager is required to function in a foreign culture. Communication in a foreign country is often complicated by such cultural influences as the importance of time, space, relationships, and numerous other subtle psychological and sociological factors. Merely learning the language of a host country is not sufficient to effectively conduct business abroad. To be truly effective, a manager must not only understand the language of the host country but must also “have a feel” for its culture. The present article suggests that managers preparing for overseas assignments be familiarized not only with the language of the host country but also with the psychological and sociological norms inherent in that particular culture.

scholarly journals VALIDIZATION OF THE EMPIRICAL MODEL OF THE DYNAMICS OF INTEGRATION OF INTERNET COMMUNITIES

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-24
Author(s):  
A.M. Ponomarev
Keyword(s):  
Empirical Model ◽  
Online Communities ◽  
Online Community ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Theoretical Conclusion ◽  
Internet Communities ◽  
First Case ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Internet Community ◽  
New Criteria

The article presents the results of a validating study carried out within the framework of the research under the grant "Building predictive models of the dynamics of the development of mobilization-type Internet communities". The aim of the study is to test the empirical model of integration of the Internet community in terms of the validity of the content and the validity of the criteria. The subject of the study is the validity of the criteria and integration factors identified in this model. The research methods are a survey of internal experts and a comparative analysis of assessments of the criteria and factors of integration of the specified model by external and internal experts. The results obtained allow us to conclude that it is correct to identify the criteria and factors for integrating the Internet community at the first stages of the research project. Differences in the assessment by two types of experts of the significance of some criteria and factors of integration of Internet communities receive the fixation of two observation positions - external and internal - as two types of explanation, namely, an understanding and descriptive explanation, respectively. The conducted research not only allows to introduce new criteria and factors of integration into the empirical model of integration of the Internet community, but also to draw an important theoretical conclusion. Online communities in their development manifest both the properties of real social groups and the properties of networks. These two methodological attitudes can be equally successfully applied in the analysis of online communities of the mobilization type. In the first case, analyzing the behavior of the online community as a social group, the dynamics of its mobilization function is mostly recorded. In the second case, analyzing the behavior of a community as a network, the dynamics of its volume and the dynamics of information potential are described to a greater extent.

scholarly journals Researching online communities of inquiry through digital ethnography

2021 ◽  
Vol 102 ◽  
pp. 01006
Author(s):  
Neil Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Online Learning ◽  
Online Education ◽  
Online Communities ◽  
Online Community ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Digital Ethnography ◽  
Use Of Technology ◽  
Ethnographic Data ◽  
Communities Of Inquiry

Research into providing effective online education has suggested an important goal for instructors is the creation of an online community of inquiry (CoI) where social, cognitive, and teacher presence are all important aspects of successful online learning. With reference to a recent reflective practice case study, this paper describes ways that the research on online communities of inquiry may be enriched through the use of digital ethnography. In the target reflective case study, data analysis tasks were designed and presented in an online VoiceThread site, promoting dialogic and multimodal engagement with data from actual research studies that are central to the module theme in teacher education. Interaction around these tasks is coded using the CoI framework. Ethnographic data from the participants was collected and coded using qualitative research protocols to contextualise the interaction data and provide a clearer understanding of how participants had come together throughout the module. The ethnographic data revealed some interesting concerns with online learning, including the use of technology as a barrier to participation.

scholarly journals Online Communities and Open Innovation

Economics ◽  
2015 ◽  
pp. 652-666
Author(s):  
Alberto Francesconi ◽  
Riccardo Bonazzi ◽  
Claudia Dossena
Keyword(s):  
Solar System ◽  
Absorptive Capacity ◽  
Online Communities ◽  
Open Innovation ◽  
Online Community ◽  
Software Tool ◽  
Linear Process ◽  
Innovation Approach

Online communities are becoming an important way to support firms towards an open innovation approach. However, knowledge shared in an online community represents only a potential for firm's innovation aims. The effectiveness of exploration and exploitation of this knowledge depends on firm's absorptive capacity. In this work the authors focus on the time an idea, shared within an online community, takes to be transformed from a ‘potential' into a ‘realized' innovation by a firm. In particular, conceiving knowledge as a trajectory across pole of attraction rather than a linear process, the authors develop a model inspired by the solar system metaphor. Preliminary results from a case study are presented. They suggest firms may improve the effectiveness of absorptive capacity exploiting the mediation role of a software tool.

When Digital Technologies Enable and Threaten Occupational Identity: The Delicate Balancing Act of Data Scientists

MIS Quarterly ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 45 (3) ◽  
pp. 1087-1112
Author(s):  
Emmanuelle Vaast ◽  
Alain Pinsonneault ◽  
◽  
Keyword(s):  
Online Community ◽  
Data Science ◽  
Critical Case ◽  
Digital Technologies ◽  
Identity Work ◽  
Occupational Identity ◽  
Dialectical Process ◽  
Optimal Distinctiveness ◽  
Critical Case Study

Occupations are increasingly embedded with and affected by digital technologies. These technologies both enable and threaten occupational identity and create two important tensions: they make the persistence of an occupation possible while also potentially rendering it obsolete, and they magnify both the similarity and distinctiveness of occupations with regard to other occupations. Based on the critical case study of an online community dedicated to data science, we investigate longitudinally how data scientists address the two tensions of occupational identity associated with digital technologies and reach transient syntheses in terms of “optimal distinctiveness” and “persistent extinction.” We propose that identity work associated with digital technologies follows a composite life-cycle and dialectical process. We explain that people constantly need to adjust and redefine their occupational identity, i.e., how they define who they are and what they do. We contribute to scholarship on digital technologies and identity work by illuminating how people deal in an ongoing manner with digital technologies that simultaneously enable and threaten their occupational identity.

“Emotional strip-mining”: Sympathy sockpuppets in online communities

2021 ◽  
pp. 146144482110405
Author(s):  
Devon Greyson ◽  
Kaitlin L Costello
Keyword(s):  
Online Communities ◽  
Sense Of Belonging ◽  
Online Community ◽  
Care Work ◽  
Strip Mining ◽  
Knowledge Gap ◽  
Online Deception ◽  
Online Identities

Sympathy sockpuppets are false online identities used for purposes of extracting care work from others. While online community infiltration for nefarious purposes is a well-documented phenomenon, people may also join online communities using deceptive personas (“sockpuppet” accounts) for non-nefarious reasons, such as to gain sympathy or cultivate a sense of belonging in a group. In comparison with scamming and trolling, this more subtle form of online deception is not well understood, and to date, its impacts on individuals and communities have not been fully articulated. This knowledge gap leaves communities without guidance when managing the impacts of this sympathy sockpuppet deception. We interviewed people who had been members of online communities that discovered sympathy sockpuppets in their midst to explore and characterize the phenomenon of sympathy sockpuppetry and to provide guidance for other individuals and communities that encounter similar forms of online deception.

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