Professional virtual community

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A Professional virtual community (PVC) represents the combination of the concepts of virtual community and professional community. Virtual communities are defined as social systems of networks of individuals, who use computer technologies to mediate their relationships. Professional communities provide environments for professionals to share the body of knowledge of their professions such as similar working cultures, problem perceptions, problem-solving techniques, professional values, and behavior.

A PVC is an association of “individuals” explicitly pursuing an economic objective identified by a specific knowledge scope. It aims at generating value through members’ interaction, sharing and collaboration. This interaction is optimized by the synergic use of ICT-mediated and face-to-face mechanisms.

A professional virtual community is a manifestation of Collaborative Networks.