In the last few years, an exciting new science has emerged that is revolutionizing our understanding of the phenomenon of networks. Network theory has discovered that all networks - whether made out of molecules, nerve cells, electrical grids, web sites, or human beings - operate according to the same simple but powerful rules. For example, in all networks (human and non-human), a few nodes stand out as extraordinarily better-connected than average nodes. These nodes are called hubs. A healthy network has multiple hubs, all well connected to each other.

 

However, a network's health also depends greatly on those nodes located at the 'periphery' of the network, with a weaker affiliation or 'tie' to those in the 'center.' Network members with 'weak ties' are important connection points to the world outside of the network. The knowledge emerging from network theory enables us to more precisely build resilient, healthy networks.

 

Communities of Practice

As a Community Network evolves, one or more communities of practice may emerge within the network. Communities of practice are groups of people who share a passion about a topic and who deepen their knowledge and expertise in this area by interacting on an ongoing basis.

 

While communities of practice may take many forms, they all share these elements:

 

The domain - the common topic of interest that brings people together and guides their learning;

 

The community - the group of people who care about the domain and who create the social fabric of learning, based on mutual respect and trust;

 

The practice - the specific knowledge, tools, and processes the community develops to be effective in their domain.

 

Communities of practice tend to form spontaneously among people who share a common area of passion. They have existed naturally since humans first gathered around a fire to discuss hunting strategies, but have recently attracted closer attention as a tool for businesses to manage knowledge. Recent research has identified key principles and practices that support communities of practice to grow to their full potential.

 

Community Networks

A community network uses the knowledge emerging from networking theory to 'knit' a specialized type of network that focuses on sharing and developing community knowledge, tools, and processes that support the long-term health of the whole community network. A community network illuminates the existing resources and connections among the communities and provides a forum for new connections to be made and creative community projects to be developed.

 

In a certain sense, a community network might be seen as a potential community of practice - one that focuses on sharing and developing community knowledge. However, not all members of the network may want to be involved in sharing and developing community knowledge. For example, some people may just want to participate in community events. Therefore we think it is better to understand a community network as a network that may catalyze one or more communities of practice within it.

 

Books

Albert-Laszlo, Barabasi, Linked, The New Science of Networks (2002)

Mark Buchanan, Nexus: Small Worlds and the Groundbreaking Science of Networks (2002)

 

Malcolm Gladwell, Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference (2002)

 

Duncan Watts, Six Degrees: The Science of a Connected Age (2004)

Etienne Wenger et al, Cultivating Communities of Practice (2002)

 

Articles

Valdis Krebs and June Holley, Building Sustainable Communities through Network Building: http://www.orgnet.com/BuildingNetworks.pdf