Electronic Networks of Practice as Third Places: Social Embeddedness, Membership Longevity and Contribution Quality

摘要

Electronic networks of practice have been investigated from learning and resource exchange perspectives using network analysis methods with connections derived from domain-specific relationships. By doing so, the literature has decentered interpersonal relationships in studies explaining the flow of knowledge throughout the network. I argue that through informal social interactions an individual becomes socially embedded in the network thereby creating strong social bonds with other members. These strong social bonds foster loyalty and attachment to the eNoP creating a symbolically constructed 'place of significance' rather than a "place of knowledge-sharing.' Members may find alternative knowledge-sharing places among the many largely undifferentiated eNoP in cyberspace, but it is my conjecture that it is difficult to find alternative places of psychological significance in the virtual world. Utilizing Oldenburg's (1989) third places as the theoretical lens, I demonstrate empirically that socially embedded members determined by a member's social valued centrality have greater membership longevity and provide more positively rated contributions to the practice side of the eNoP relative to those members less socially embedded.