Knowledge management practices in universities: The role of communities of practice

Abstract

One of the major strategies for managing knowledge for competitive advantage in universities is through Communities of Practice (CoPs). This study sought to assess how universities are using CoPs as a tool to manage and safeguard knowledge for competitive advantage. The study adopted the survey and mixed method research approach to collect data from selected universities in Ghana. The study established that despite the high level of understanding and appreciation for knowledge management practices and the existence of both formal and informal forums for managing and safeguarding knowledge at the universities, the role and impact of CoPs in KM at the universities were insignificant. This was due to the low level of understanding of the concept of CoPs, non-belonging to a CoP and lack of tools and systems to support CoPs at the universities. The study finally proposed a framework for CoPs in universities. According to the proposed framework, the successful deployment of CoPs in universities depends on identifying and linking the knowledge (tacit and explicit) and CoPs to the universities.