ABSTRACT
In many ways the original idea of communities of practice is a noble project with humane objectives. It raises the prospect of liberating the creative and self-directed impulses of workers of all kinds and at all levels in carrying out their everyday daily tasks. It celebrates the knowledge, skills and contributions of front-line employees to the very existence and effectiveness of the organizations in which they are employed or engaged. It seeks approaches to learning that aim to liberate and empower individuals, and to improve the effectiveness of organizations. However, the contributors to this book also indicate that there are many unresolved issues and problems associated with the concept and that much further work remains to be done. We conclude, therefore, with a brief review of the scope for future developments that emerge from the chapters in this volume.
