Table 1.

A Snapshot Comparison of Forms of Organization

Form	What’s the purpose?	Who belongs?	What holds it together?	How long does it last?
Community of practice	To develop members’ capabilities; to build and exchange knowledge	Members who select themselves	Passion, commitment, and identification with the group’s expertise	As long as there is interest in maintaining the group
Formal work group	To deliver a product or service	Everyone who reports to the group’s manager	Job requirements and common goals	Until the next reorganization
Project team	To accomplish a specific task	Employees assigned by senior management	The project’s milestones and goals	Until the project has been completed
Informal network	To collect and pass on business information	Friends and business acquaintances	Mutual needs	As long as people have a reason to connect