The use of online communities of practice in the software industry: learnings from Facebook communities in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Online communities of practice (CoPs) for professionals is a growing phenomenon in social networking. Such an online CoP consists of people who share their work-related knowledge, experiences, ideas, and practices using different electronic modes. The study focuses on the potential use of online CoPs for social support among software professionals who need to manage a demanding work-life. Five Facebook (FB) groups comprising software employees were cross-examined qualitatively using thematic analysis. The results revealed how software engineers engaged in different practices and activities to support each other in the communities. It was noted how the group members exerted social support, which is considered a key element in occupational health. The findings provide promising insights into how software professionals collaborate and support each other in cyberspace, which could be further explored to design technology that could foster online communities for software employees who need to manage their occupational stress.