An analytical framework for examining communities of practice in water management: a reflection on what they do and contribute to?
Keywords:
Communities of Practice, analytical framework, social learning, water managementAbstract
Communities of Practice (CoPs) have become a new water resource management paradigm. CoPs are highly regarded for promoting peer-to-peer knowledge sharing and collaboration, leading to better water management decisions and actions. Yet, the mechanisms through which CoPs operate, including what kind of learning is being pursued, for what, how, and by whom, are, however, often black-boxed. This research develops an analytical framework to understand better what water-related CoPs do and contribute to. The framework was co-developed, drawing from the experience of over 50 CoPs experts in water and environmental management. A series of preliminary discussions were held to identify existing frameworks that were then used to develop a draft skeleton of the analytical model. The framework was then tested and refined through interviews before being validated in a collaborative workshop. This paper details the developed three-block analytical framework—(i) context; (ii) processes (iii) outcomes—and uses examples from consulted water-related communities to illustrate its schematic components. Ultimately, this research aims to assist CoP coordinators in making more informed decisions about the design and maintenance of their water-related CoPs
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