Xerox Case Study

Introduction Communities of practice tend to be technology based and therefore are likely to bridge the generation gap allowing knowledge sharing between the generations of employees at Xerox. Communities of practice are defined as “groups of people who share a concern or a passion for something they do and who interacts regularly to learn how to do it better” (Wenger, E., 2006). These communities bring employees together through social networking to share wisdom and knowledge of highly experienced workers; this type of information is not that of which you can find in a book or manual, it is of pure experience. Throughout the organization at Xerox, there is a gap between the older and younger generation which is preventing knowledge sharing between the two. This gap between the generations is due to flawed perceptions; meaning both generations perceive the other completely opposite of who they actually are based on stereotypes and other beliefs.
C.O. P. & Generation Gap In order to overcome this gap, communities of practice should be encouraged throughout the workplace; this will increase knowledge sharing between generations, especially if a community is set up specifically for that organization and its employees. Different forms of communities might include “face to face meetings, online bulletin boards, blogs or even wiki’s” (Colquitt, J., Lepine, J., & Wesson, M., 2011, p. 258). These communities not only pass information between employees, but also provide a “clear roadway to career growth by mapping out expectations” (Colquitt, J., Lepine, J., & Wesson, M., 2011, p. 258). While employees use these different forums, they will be able to gain insight on whatever topic they are learning about, it all depends on who is working in the communities. More than likely there will be a wide variety of the older generation using the communities to