Sensemaking in communities of practice
Date
2009-03
Authors
Fourie, Carina M.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch
Abstract
This thesis explores the notion of communities of practice, and in particular how they make
sense of their environment in order to create knowledge and enable learning. Traditionally
communities of practice are viewed as stewards of expert knowledge, but this thesis argues
that they are better understood as sensemaking phenomena.
Chapter one introduces the theory of sensemaking as developed by Karl Weick. This chapter
introduces the seven properties of sensemaking. It also explores organisational sensemaking
by taking the intersubjective and generic subjective levels of sensemaking into account.
Chapter two focuses on the literature on communities of practice as self-organising
knowledge structures. Three structural aspects of communities of this kind are introduced,
namely domain, community and practice. Following Etienne Wenger two additional aspects
of communities of practice—namely meaning and identity—are analyzed as these provide the
basis for a link to sensemaking theory. In the final part of this chapter the downside of
communities of practice is reviewed as they do not only present opportunities but also unique
challenges for organisations.
Chapter three combines the conclusions from the previous two chapters by interpreting
communities of practice from a sensemaking perspective. The seven properties of
sensemaking are applied to communities of practice and the role of meaning in communities
of practice is viewed through the lens of sensemaking. Furthermore the role communities of
practice might play in enhancing the phases of organisational sensemaking is indicated.
Chapter four concludes that communities of practice indeed function as sensemaking
phenomena in their environments. It is argued that nurturing communities of practice as
centres of sensemaking could be advantageous to organisations and recommendations are
made on how to best achieve this.
Description
Thesis (MPhil (Information Science))--University of Stellenbosch, 2009.
Keywords
Sensemaking, Karl Weick, Etienne Wenger, Theses -- Information science, Dissertations -- Information science