Developmental approaches to B2B virtual communities

This paper analyses the development approaches of four business-to-business (B2B) virtual communities (VCs) and compares them through use of a cross-case analysis. The study indicated that there is no “one size fits all” method for developing VCs and that a structured, rigorous development methodolo...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Technovation 2011-07, Vol.31 (7), p.296-308
Main Authors: Tickle, Matthew, Adebanjo, Dotun, Michaelides, Zenon
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Advantages
Business communications
Business networks
Business to business commerce
Case studies
Communities
Communities of practice
Comparative analysis
Cross case analysis
Culture
Documents
Information exchange
Innovation
Innovations
Knowledge management
Methodology
Open innovation
Studies
Technological change
Virtual communities
Virtual offices
Virtual reality
Web 2.0
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Summary:This paper analyses the development approaches of four business-to-business (B2B) virtual communities (VCs) and compares them through use of a cross-case analysis. The study indicated that there is no “one size fits all” method for developing VCs and that a structured, rigorous development methodology based on academic research is required in order to successfully create and manage VCs. It also found that the main challenge in creating successful VCs is not that of developing them, but that of developing an engagement and contribution culture. ► We analyse development approaches of four B2B virtual communities (VCs). ► The results are then compared through use of a cross case analysis. ► There is no “one size fits all” method for developing VCs. ► A structured, rigorous development methodology is required to create and manage VCs. ► The main challenge is not developing the VCs, but developing a contribution culture.
ISSN:0166-4972
1879-2383
DOI:10.1016/j.technovation.2011.04.002