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the original typology developed by Dubé et al. [17] is limited because it is based solely on online CoPs that exist within an organizational setting. Our analysis revealed that, although many of the dimensions in Dubé et al.'s typology were generally applicable to open online CoPs, some fine-tuning was necessary. In particular, the ‘context' dimension and many of the categories within it were revised or expanded. By using the proposed typology, the analysis of online CoPs
can address both types of online CoPs: CoPs within an organizational setting and open CoPs.
It is important to note that one limitation of the study is the small sample size (three open online CoPs) and the lack of inclusion of online CoPs within organizations. Future studies could expand the number of CoPs to test the robustness of the proposed framework. It would also be useful, for finetuning the dimensions, to use a sample that contains both CoPs within an organizational setting and open CoPs. Finally, the categorization of CoPs was based on available data that primarily rely on archival data of the messages posted on the online forums.
By developing an anatomy of online CoPs, various aspects of online CoPs can be analysed. The typology also informs practitioners about how to utilize dimensions that support implementation of effective online CoPs for specific purposes. For example, if the size of membership is increasing, it is likely that people are participating in the discussions and helping other members even when they are receiving no immediate benefits from their contributions [29]. If, on the other hand, membership size is decreasing, it would be useful to examine the degree of topic relevance. In addition, one of the reasons why people do not participate in knowledge sharing online is due to technology [15]. By looking at ICT variety and the target population, the difference in levels of member participation may be better understood. Future systematic research with more extensive examination of online CoPs is sought.

Noriko Hara, Pnina Shachaf and Sharon Stoerger, 2009, Online communities of practice typology revisited, Journal of Information Science 2009 35: 740 originally published online 18 August 2009, DOI: 10.1177/0165551509342361 abstract, PDF