A Distinct Type of Online Group for Customer Knowledge Innovation: The Virtual Product User Community

Libri ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xuguang Li ◽  
Andrew Cox
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Communities ◽  
Virtual Community ◽  
Distinct Type ◽  
Technical Problems ◽  
User Community ◽  
Customer Group ◽  
Knowledge Innovation ◽  
Classification Framework ◽  
User Communities ◽  
Virtual Product

Abstract Among online communities of customers there are a number of different types of group that need to be distinguished. One interesting type are virtual product user communities, i.e. company sponsored online forums where product users share usage experience and collaboratively construct new knowledge to solve technical problems. The purpose of this paper is to show that these “virtual product user communities” are a distinct type of customer group with knowledge innovation capability. The research adopts a method combining observation and content analysis of discussion threads where technical problems are solved, complemented by thematic analysis of interviews with forum members to explore its character, especially its knowledge related attributes. The paper confirms empirically that the virtual product user community is a distinct type of virtual community and can be differentiated from other virtual communities of consumers. In addition, an enhanced classification framework, extending Porter’s (2004) classic 5Ps model, is proposed to highlight knowledge-related activities in virtual communities. Of particular interest is that the findings suggest that knowledge-related activities should be considered as an important attribute in defining and classifying virtual communities. In terms of practical implications, it is recommended that the virtual product user community should be given appropriate support from top management in order to fully exploit its knowledge innovation value. Moreover, tailored facilitation strategies to promote knowledge construction activities and community development can be developed in accordance with its unique attributes. The paper precisely distinguishes one specific type of innovative virtual community consisting of product users from other online customer communities. Moreover, it outlines a revised virtual community classification framework, which can be widely applied in analysing features of online groups. Its key attribute of knowledge-related activity redirects attention to virtual communities’ knowledge innovation capabilities.

Knowledge construction by users

2017 ◽  
Vol 73 (2) ◽  
pp. 284-304 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xuguang Li ◽  
Andrew Cox ◽  
Nigel Ford
Keyword(s):  
Content Analysis ◽  
Knowledge Construction ◽  
Process Model ◽  
Trial And Error ◽  
Analysis Framework ◽  
Technical Problems ◽  
Content Type ◽  
User Communities ◽  
Virtual Product ◽  
New Framework

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop a content analysis framework and from that derive a process model of knowledge construction in the context of virtual product user communities, organization sponsored online forums where product users collaboratively construct knowledge to solve their technical problems. Design/methodology/approach The study is based on a deductive and qualitative content analysis of discussion threads about solving technical problems selected from a series of virtual product user communities. Data are complemented with thematic analysis of interviews with forum members. Findings The research develops a content analysis framework for knowledge construction. It is based on a combination of existing codes derived from frameworks developed for computer-supported collaborative learning and new categories identified from the data. Analysis using this framework allows the authors to propose a knowledge construction process model showing how these elements are organized around a typical “trial and error” knowledge construction strategy. Practical implications The research makes suggestions about organizations’ management of knowledge activities in virtual product user communities, including moderators’ roles in facilitation. Originality/value The paper outlines a new framework for analysing knowledge activities where there is a low level of critical thinking and a model of knowledge construction by trial and error. The new framework and model can be applied in other similar contexts.

scholarly journals A logical approach to supporting professional learning communities

2011 ◽  
pp. 599-620
Keyword(s):  
Student Performance ◽  
Stem Education ◽  
Professional Learning ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Virtual Communities ◽  
Virtual Community ◽  
Content Management ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Collaborative Tools ◽  
Integration Strategies

Collaborative knowledge sharing requires that dialogues successfully cross organizational barriers and information silos. Successful communication in person or in a virtual community involves a willingness to share ideas and consider diverse viewpoints. This research examines a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) content management system called NASATalk, which offers public and private blog posts, file sharing, asynchronous discussion, and live chat services. The service is designed to provide a virtual environment where educators can share ideas, suggestions, successes, and innovations in STEM teaching and learning activities. This study features qualitative data from STEM education groups that helped extend the design of the NASATalk Web 2.0 collaborative tools and features. The analysis shows that the context, e-collaborative tools, integration strategies, and outcomes varied, but also contributed additional space, time, tools, integration strategies, and outcomes through the virtual collaborative learning environment. This study is designed to inform the STEM education community as well as those offering virtual community resources and tools of the added value of using virtual communities to help STEM educators work together in collaborative, virtual environments to discuss ways they can improve their instruction and student performance.

scholarly journals Observación participante en una organización de filtraciones periodísticas: el caso WikiLeaks

2021 ◽  
pp. 199-231
Author(s):  
Alberto Quian
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Communities ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Virtual Community ◽  
Virtual Space ◽  
Information Flows ◽  
Observation Method ◽  
La Red

Para explicar los procesos de una comunidad virtual de filtraciones de documentos secretos utilizamos el método de observación participante, introduciéndonos en la red de colaboradores de WikiLeaks. De este modo, intentamos describir los procesos de creación de noticias en estos entornos emergentes mediante la observación del espacio virtual en el que se trabaja, los instrumentos y procedimientos con los que se opera y los flujos de comunicación e información que se generan en este. El objetivo es contribuir a ampliar el conocimiento sobre los roles emergentes de investigador en la observación en línea y, particularmente, describir el funcionamiento de comunidades virtuales confidenciales, además de aportar nuevas claves metodológicas para los estudios con un enfoque en el newsmaking. To explain the processes of a virtual community working with secret leaked documents, we use the participant observation method entering into the WikiLeaks’ collaborators network. In this way, we attempt to describe the processes of newsmaking in these emerging environments by observing the virtual space in which it works, the tools and procedures that normally are used, and the communication and information flows generated in it. The aim of this paper is to contribute to broaden knowledge about the emerging roles of researcher using online observation —and particularly in confidential virtual communities—, and to provide new methodological keys for studies focused on newsmaking.

Design and Development of Platform about Information Management and Knowledge Sharing in Virtual Communities

2012 ◽  
Vol 198-199 ◽  
pp. 581-585
Author(s):  
Gui Wang ◽  
Zi Juan Yang ◽  
Xiang Cheng Li ◽  
Xing Tong ◽  
Liang Lu
Keyword(s):  
Software Development ◽  
Knowledge Sharing ◽  
Information Management ◽  
Virtual Communities ◽  
Virtual Community ◽  
Function Design ◽  
Analysis Design ◽  
Waterfall Model ◽  
Teaching Modules ◽  
Development Structure

This Article is based on the waterfall model of software development ,according to the mechanism of information management and knowledge-sharing in the virtual community which has been constructed analyze the platform of information management and knowledge-sharing in the virtual community, from functional and technical to explain the platform; on the count of this analysis the paper make the functional design, and build three-tier architecture about the platform of information management and knowledge-sharing in the virtual community, describe teaching modules, exchange and sharing of modules of education system in two pairs of the ER design, the module function design; finally clarify test content for the platform.Software development of waterfalls model[1] essentially is a software development structure, the process have a series of stage sequence, begin from requirement analysis, design, test, setup, to maintenance, each stage generates circulating feedback, if the some stage appears a problem and then return to guarantee the integrality.

The influence mechanism of rewards on knowledge sharing behaviors in virtual communities

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nan Wang ◽  
Jielin Yin ◽  
Zhenzhong Ma ◽  
Maolin Liao
Keyword(s):  
Intrinsic Motivation ◽  
Knowledge Sharing ◽  
Tacit Knowledge ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Virtual Communities ◽  
Explicit Knowledge ◽  
Virtual Community ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Integrated Framework ◽  
Tacit Knowledge Sharing

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the effects of organizational rewards on two forms of knowledge sharing – explicit knowledge sharing and tacit knowledge sharing in virtual communities, and further to explore the mediating effect of intrinsic motivation on the effect of virtual community rewards on implicit knowledge sharing. Design/methodology/approach Based on relevant knowledge sharing theories, this study develops an integrated framework to explore virtual community rewards and tacit and explicit knowledge sharing in a virtual context. This study then collected data from 429 virtual community users in four virtual communities via an online survey. Hierarchical regression analyzes were used to test the proposed research model. Findings The results of this study show that virtual rewards have a significantly positive linear relationship with explicit knowledge sharing but have an inverse U-shape relationship with tacit knowledge sharing in virtual communities. In addition, intrinsic motivations including enjoyment and self-efficacy mediate the relationship between rewards and tacit knowledge sharing. Practical implications This study suggests more virtual community rewards may not always lead to more tacit knowledge sharing. Instead, too many rewards may weaken the motivation for tacit knowledge sharing. Knowledge management practitioners should make full use of the positive impact of self-efficacy and enjoyment to set up appropriate reward incentives to encourage knowledge-sharing, in particular, tacit knowledge sharing and to better manage virtual communities. Originality/value This study explores knowledge-sharing behavior in virtual communities, an important step toward more integrated knowledge-sharing theories. While online communities have become increasingly important for today’s knowledge economy, few studies have explored knowledge and knowledge sharing in a virtual context and this study helps to bridge the gap. In addition, this study develops an integrated framework to explore the mechanism through which virtual community rewards affect knowledge sharing with intrinsic motivation mediating this relationship in online communities, which further enriches the understanding on how to use virtual rewards to motivate knowledge sharing behaviors in the virtual context.

Eksistensi Media Sosial,Youtube, Instagram dan Whatsapp Ditengah Pandemi Covid-19 Dikalangan Masyarakat Virtual Indonesia

2020 ◽  
pp. 41-57
Author(s):  
Hendra Junawan ◽  
Nurdin Laugu
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Data Collection ◽  
Virtual Communities ◽  
Virtual Community ◽  
Collection Method ◽  
Data Collection Method ◽  
Corona Virus ◽  
Internet Users ◽  
The World

Introduction. This article discusses the existence of social media YouTube, Instagram and Watsapp in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic among virtual communities in Indonesia. The development of social media is increasing every year, especially in the conditions of the corona virus outbreak. The development of social media in Indonesia has experienced a very significant increase, it can be seen that Indonesia is in the 3rd position of social media users in the world. Data Collection Method. The method used in this article is by using the literature method by reading literature related to discussion and it can be analyzed that the existence of social media such as YouTube in the midst of the Covid pandemic has experienced a surge in users of around 88% and is then followed by Whatsapp social media with the number of accesses of 84% and Instagram with 79%. Results and Discussions. Based on the data above, we can see the development and level of existence of several social media which is frequently accessed by the world's population during the Covid 19 pandemic. This development has certainly experienced a very clear penetration of internet users among the Indonesian virtual community. Conclusions. the development of social media in Indonesia and globally has increased very significantly. The existence of social media which was popular during the Covid-19 pandemic, which placed YouTube as the first media that was very popular with the highest number of users in the world.

Motivators of Researchers' Knowledge Sharing and Community Promotion in Online Multi-Background Community

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 23-49
Author(s):  
Siwei Sun ◽  
Fangyu Zhang ◽  
Victor Chang
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Sharing ◽  
Communication Technology ◽  
Virtual Communities ◽  
Self Determination Theory ◽  
Self Determination ◽  
Mediating Effects ◽  
Demographic Groups ◽  
Knowledge Sharing Behavior ◽  
Knowledge Innovation ◽  
Sharing Behavior

As an essential group in knowledge innovation, researchers are encouraged to exchange ideas with each other for further brainstorm through advanced communication technology. However, efficient online knowledge sharing among researchers is still limited. Although past literature proposes a series of motivators of online knowledge sharing, the differences in the effects of motivators remain in dispute. Thus, it is time to understand how motivators influence each other and inspire scientists to share knowledge and promote virtual communities. Based on the self-determination theory, this study proposes a model with several factors and analyze 301 Chinese researchers' data in an online WeChat cross-disciplinary research community by adopting SmartPls 2.0 and SPSS 22. The results reveal the effects of several antecedents and mediating effects of altruism and knowledge sharing behavior and report the differences of results among different demographic groups. This study enriches the literature in knowledge sharing on social media and proposes further research points to researchers and useful advice to practitioners.

Privacy and Security for Virtual Communities and Social Networks

2013 ◽  
pp. 19-31 ◽  
Author(s):  
Georgios Michaelides ◽  
Gábor Hosszú
Keyword(s):  
Social Networks ◽  
Online Social Networks ◽  
Virtual Communities ◽  
Personal Information ◽  
Rapid Development ◽  
Virtual Community ◽  
Privacy And Security ◽  
Internet Privacy ◽  
Large Audience ◽  
Privacy Risks

The importance of the virtual communities’ privacy and security problems comes into prominence by the rapid development of online social networks. This article presents the multiple threats currently plaguing the virtual world, Internet privacy risks, and recommendations and countermeasures to avoid such problems. New generations of users feel comfortable publishing their personal information and narrating their lives. They are often unaware how vulnerable the data in their public profiles are, which a large audience daily accesses. A so-called digital friendship is built among them. Such commercial and social pressures have led to a number of privacy and security risks for social network members. The article presents the most important vulnerabilities and suggests protection methods and solutions that can be utilized according to the threat. Lastly, the authors introduce the concept of a privacy-friendly virtual community site, named CWIW, where privacy methods have been implemented for better user protection.

Increasing Research Students' Engagement through Virtual Communities

2015 ◽  
pp. 50-75
Author(s):  
Maria Limniou ◽  
Clare Holdcroft ◽  
Paul S. Holmes
Keyword(s):  
Learning Environment ◽  
Learning Environments ◽  
Virtual Communities ◽  
Virtual Community ◽  
Virtual Learning Environment ◽  
Discussion Forums ◽  
Technical Issues ◽  
Research Students ◽  
Geographical Space

This chapter describes important issues regarding research students' participation in a virtual community. Within a virtual community, university staff can communicate with research students without geographical/space constraints, and research students can exchange views, materials, and experience with their peers and/or academics in a flexible learning environment. Students' participation in virtual communities is mainly based on socio-emotional and informational motivations. Initially, this chapter describes the conditions of research in a traditional environment and the role of students and academics in it, along with the role of pedagogical and psychological aspects in virtual communities. Examples from a university virtual community developed in a Virtual Learning Environment and a Facebook™ closed group are presented. Apart from discussion forums, blended learning activities also increase students' engagement in virtual communities. Technical issues and difficulties based on different learning environments and university members' experience and familiarity with technology are highlighted and discussed.

E-Portfolio to Promote the Virtual Learning Group Communities on the Grid

2012 ◽  
pp. 749-764
Author(s):  
Guy Gouardères ◽  
Emilie Conté
Keyword(s):  
Social Context ◽  
Informal Learning ◽  
Virtual Communities ◽  
Virtual Community ◽  
Virtual Learning ◽  
Peer To Peer ◽  
The Other ◽  
Educational Training ◽  
Learning Group ◽  
The One

In Vocational and Educational Training (VET), new trends are toward social learning and, more precisely, toward informal learning. In such settings, this article introduces a process — the e-Qualification — to manage informal learning on the ELeGI “Learning Grid Infrastructure.” It argues that this process must occur in a social context, such as virtual communities. On the one hand, it describes their necessary characteristics and proprieties that lead to the creation of a new kind of virtual community: the Virtual Learning Grid Community (VLGC). On the other hand, e-Qualification cannot occur without the help of a kind of user’s profile, called e-portfolio. Moreover, the e-portfolio is also a process, used to manage the Virtual Learning Grid Communities. The e-Qualification and Virtual Learning Grid Communities’ management will probably rely on the cooperation of different distributed, autonomous, goal-oriented entities, called Mobile Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Agents. Furthermore, we hope that implementing these services will decrease the lack of informal learning treatment on the grid and will become the basis for new services on the Learning Grid.

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