The social network and networking technology - The emergence and fostering of the network/s of local authority energy

• This paper explores the concept of communities of practice and networks of practice. Special focus lies on networking technologies as tools for fostering emerging network/s. More specifically, the purpose of this articel is to frame and analyse the case of local authority energy consultancy from a community perspective as well as a concept of ba perspective to judge if, and how, a network is forming among the dispersed individuals holding the energy advisor job title. The contribution of this article lies in furthering the understanding of the problems faced in establishing national networks of practice, in environments where work and social interaction is geographically dispersed. Key findings are that there are several smaller communities of local energy advisors emerging rather than one unified network holding the whole professional body together. A reason for this development is probably that it is easier to build relations in smaller groups. Further, fostering of a larger network is important to get networking started, but it is the local initiatives that have viability. Finally, as assumed, dominating means of communication are uncontroversial technologies such as e-mail and telephone.

Keyword

communities of practice

networks of practice

the occurrence and use of IT-tools

top-down and bottom-up perspectives

local authority energy consultancy.

TECHNOLOGY

TEKNIKVETENSKAP

Publication and Content Type

vet (subject category)

ovr (subject category)