Toimintayhteisöt

Toimintayhteisöt, often translated as "communities of practice," are groups of people who share a concern or a passion for something they do and learn how to do it better as they interact regularly. These communities are not defined by organizational structures but by the shared activities and relationships among members. The concept was popularized by Jean Lave and Etienne Wenger.

The core elements of a toimintayhteisö are a domain, a community, and a practice. The domain is the area of shared interest. The community is the group of people who engage in this domain. The practice is the shared body of knowledge, skills, and methods that members develop and use. Members learn through participation and interaction, often through informal means like storytelling, problem-solving, and sharing experiences.

Toimintayhteisöt can exist within formal organizations, across different departments, or even globally. They play a crucial role in knowledge creation and dissemination, fostering innovation, and supporting professional development. They are dynamic entities that evolve as their members' understanding and activities change. Understanding and supporting toimintayhteisöt can be beneficial for individuals and organizations seeking to enhance learning and performance.