COMMUNITIES OF PRACTICE AND SYSTEMS THEORY: A CASE STUDY

Abstract

This case study examines the development of a self-organized Community of Practice (CoP) through the lens of systems theory. The CoP is devoted to the practice of Action Learning within the United States public sector. The CoP’s membership comprises public sector employees who are Action Learning coaching practitioners and other public sector employees who are interested in Action Learning as a problem-solving and leadership development tool. CoPs embody systems theory in that they may be characterized as open systems with core members and peripheral members. Disruptions to the system challenge and strengthen the CoP through boundary crossings between the CoP and other communities. System disruptions and the communications that have occurred as a result have created challenges to identity.