The differences between C of P and ‘Organisational Units’... and Joint Enterprise.
I think Wenger may have meant that ‘organisational units’ have more of a stronger hierarchy of importance. Communities of practice do maintain an element of power i.e. a teacher, but they don’t diminish other members of the group from having any power. For example, in ‘Dance Mania’ the teacher would sometimes ask for our advice, or take some of our ideas and link them in with the dance she was teaching. Therefore, talking about social capital and Lesser and Storck, the following quote links it with the effectiveness of how my C of P worked, 'change that results in greater knowledge sharing, which in turn positively influences business performance.’ (Wenger) They believe that there is a behavioural change in C of P through the ‘social capital’ – the leader which provokes positive outcomes.
I would describe ‘organisational units’ more like the positions within jobs for instance, you certain job titles and you work to uphold that title. You have different departments, department leaders, secretaries, deputies, and bosses, all which have a specific hierarchical structure which can’t necessarily be deferred from. As communities of practice are described by Wenger as ‘informal’ it could be said that ‘organisational units’ differ in that they have more formalities within its structure.
In terms of joint enterprise – because joint enterprise is resulted from all members of the community, alike mutual agreements - I wouldn’t apply this to Organisational units. I see organisational units as having existing structure, which isn’t necessarily to do with the members, but is already apparent and has to be adhered to in a particular and agreed way.
Joint enterprise is essential to a community of practice in making it work, because it entails working as a community. It “is the result of a collective process of negotiation.” (Wenger: Chap 2) therefore every member’s contribution is equally accepted as part of the community continuation. The collaboration of all members’ views etc allows the community to be defined in a particular way to “develop around things that matter to people.” (Wenger)
One last though… However… can organisational units still be communities because they still work together to attain goals, work towards targets etc…
Wenger would argue that they are not because communities of practice constantly work together, not when they are just working towards targets. What do you think?
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I understand your thinking, because I find this bit of his theory hard to understand.
ReplyDeleteMost organisations will have different members working towards different goals. However, it could be said that at the end of the day, when all their work is compiled they all have the 'joint enterprise' of making the organisation successful. What do you think?
I think you make a good point. Organisations have the values and goals for that community in common, but they don't always work together as could it be seen that the lower heirachical population are contributing more to achieve the joint enterprise set out by the higher population. Whereas with C of P there seems to be more equality which is how it differs from organisational units?
ReplyDeleteI think that organisational units differ from communities of practice in that the hierarchy is more clearly defined. At school or work you knew that the teacher or your boss was in charge and they were able to exert their power over you by giving you a detention or by giving you the sack and there is no questioning it.
ReplyDeleteWith joint enterprise it seems as if everyone has more of an even and less hierarchicical role in the process (whether that be at work or at school) and less as if it is possible for someone to exert power or influence over you. It seems like more of a two way street as opposed to the more dictatorship which could have been the case at school. (Although even then as I remember it, it started to become more blurred as you got older and more respect)
A very good thread!
ReplyDeleteMy understanding is that organisations try to manage work into 'units' with repeated tasks and clearly delineated interlocking responsibilities etc. CsofP cut across these units (and indeed, might have links external to the organisation); there might be an "online games" CofP within this unit which networks everyone who has expertise in this area. (Possibly via Facebook and posts made in this unit.) The rest of us might draw upon their expertise when we want clarification of a Games issue. Here theri 'joint enterprise' (game playing) creates the backbone of their community -which we can draw upon.? Does that sound right to you?