Thriving communities

Bill Johnston[1] has outlined the characteristics of thriving online communities. These include:

  • Shared value (answers, content, connection, expertise and access)
  • Shared identity (to form and shape the community)
  • Vibrant participation (presence, contribution and facilitation)
  • Community leadership (clarity about roles and responsibilities)
  • Quality content (creation, aggregation and curation)
  • Expertise (community learns from leaders within the community)
  • Culture of trust (community is connected and able to share openly)
  • Elegant experience (easy to contribute and participate)
  • Growth and responsiveness (continuing inclusion of members and engagement with the governance of the community)
activity

Thriving communities

If you do look at Bill Johnston’s article, do you think his characteristics can be applied to all communities of practice? Are they limited to online presence? How might stewardship occur in non-online settings?

Reference

  1. Johnston, Bill (20 October 2013). “Attributes of Thriving Online Communities”. http://blog.structure3c.com/2013/10/20/attributes-of-thriving-online-communities/.