Browsing by Author "Scheriau, Alexander"
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- The challenges associated with implementing new ways of working : a case study on communities of practice in the automotive industryPublication . Scheriau, Alexander; Conti, Raffaele; Ramus, TommasoThe purpose of this study is twofold. First, this study aims to explore what factors affect the deliberate creation of communities of practice (CoPs). Second, this study seeks to evaluate whether CoPs are applicable as a means of stimulating collaboration and knowledge sharing in the research and development (R&D) department of a large German automotive group. The methodology used in this research was a department-wide online survey, followed by semi-structured interviews with seven disciplinary leaders and nine employees of the R&D department under study. Results show that organizational characteristics, such as the lack of a shared mindset towards the importance of collaboration, the lack of suitable information and communication technology, and the lack of resources are likely to hinder CoP participation, even though employees are basically intrinsically motivated to participate in new ways of working. The privacy and data policies of the company under study imposed several restrictions about how and what data may be collected. Analysis of the data derived from interviews was inevitably constrained by the researcher’s interpretation. In line with existing research, this study suggests that CoPs cannot simply be called into existence. Due to their characteristics and potential strong contrast to traditional ways of working, CoPs may face legitimacy problems. Thorough preparatory work is necessary to create an environment conducive to the intentional establishment or spontaneous emergence of CoPs. This study provides a contribution to existing literature and business practice by providing insights into the factors that hinder/facilitate the establishment of CoPs within large organizations.