Improvement of learning in organizations through virtual communities

Abstract

Increasingly, companies are offering their employees a technology platform that allows the management of their knowledge with the objective of transferring it to the job and generating a true organizational learning. This paper shows the results of an evaluative research carried out on the "e- Campus social learning", one of the modules of e e-learning solutions created by Indra, which promotes the generation of knowledge-sharing through networks and its transfer to the job. The study is based on the analysis of the comprehensive training solution and talent management of Indra, called Compartiendo Conocimiento. It offers training to about 40,000 Indra professionals around the world. As data collection instruments, satisfaction surveys with the platform were applied to employees of Indra, as well as interviews in depth with community managers and reputed users. Finally, a tool that allowed the evaluation of the different virtual communities was designed and applied. Respondents and interviewees seem to agree regarding the transfer of learning to the job allowed by the platform Compartiendo Conocimiento, although, in order to take advantage of its potential, more involvement of employees would be required. The analysis undertaken in each virtual community suggests that the result of each one of them is largely mediated by the work of those responsible for its dynamisation. There are a number of tools that are increasingly valued by users, such as the calendar, featured contents, and the search engine. In conclusion, this platform can be considered a valuable instrument to achieve the objectives of the organization, and provide support to change and transformation processes.