Welcome to the InfoSci Platform
Reference Hub5
Virtual Communities as Narrative Networks: Developing a Model of Knowledge Creation for Crowdsourced Environments

Virtual Communities as Narrative Networks: Developing a Model of Knowledge Creation for Crowdsourced Environments

Michael R. Weeks, Natasha F. Veltri
Copyright: © 2013 |Volume: 9 |Issue: 1 |Pages: 21
ISSN: 1548-0666|EISSN: 1548-0658|EISBN13: 9781466630901|DOI: 10.4018/jkm.2013010102
Cite Article Cite Article

MLA

Weeks, Michael R., and Natasha F. Veltri. "Virtual Communities as Narrative Networks: Developing a Model of Knowledge Creation for Crowdsourced Environments." IJKM vol.9, no.1 2013: pp.21-41. http://doi.org/10.4018/jkm.2013010102

APA

Weeks, M. R. & Veltri, N. F. (2013). Virtual Communities as Narrative Networks: Developing a Model of Knowledge Creation for Crowdsourced Environments. International Journal of Knowledge Management (IJKM), 9(1), 21-41. http://doi.org/10.4018/jkm.2013010102

Chicago

Weeks, Michael R., and Natasha F. Veltri. "Virtual Communities as Narrative Networks: Developing a Model of Knowledge Creation for Crowdsourced Environments," International Journal of Knowledge Management (IJKM) 9, no.1: 21-41. http://doi.org/10.4018/jkm.2013010102

Export Reference

Mendeley
Favorite Full-Issue Download

Abstract

This paper extends our understanding of knowledge creation in virtual communities of practice by examining crowdsourcing activities that enable knowledge creation in these social structures. An interpretive methodology, narrative networks analysis, is used to systematically study the narratives of discussion forums in a virtual community. The virtual community studied is voluntary for the participants, and open to anyone. Through the analysis of the narrative, a model of knowledge creation is developed that identifies types of evidentiary knowledge contributions, as well as conversation mitigators that help or hinder knowledge creation within the community. Knowledge is a primary attraction of a virtual community for many of its members, and this study aims to understand how knowledge is shared and created in such voluntary communities of practice. The model highlights elements that enhance and impair knowledge creation in this type of crowdsourced environment.

Request Access

You do not own this content. Please login to recommend this title to your institution's librarian or purchase it from the IGI Global bookstore.