To study virtual communities and networks as a mechanism for social innovation and a way of managing and sharing knowledge.  On the one hand, organisational management strategies (facilitating conditions, existing rules for sharing or support from the community manager) are analysed, as well as structural factors (leadership and prestige of the community) and their influence on the results for users and professionals (sense of community, quality of knowledge, proactive participation, satisfaction, innovation...). In addition, the influence that technological (navigation, interactivity), personal (expectations of results, self-efficacy) and/or motivational (identification, reciprocity and confidence) factors may have on efficient functioning is also studied. To this end, the perceptions of users or professionals of virtual communities of practice in relation to the aforementioned variables are analysed. The results allow us to outline a set of guidelines oriented towards the efficient design and optimal management of these virtual communities.

virtual communities of practice, motivational, personal and organisational factors, social innovation

• Social Psychology