Exploring success factors of virtual communities: The perspectives of members and operators
Journal
Journal of Organizational Computing and Electronic Commerce
ISSN
1091-9392
ISSN-Digital
1532-7744
Type
journal article
Date Issued
2006-06-01
Author(s)
Research Team
iw6-init
Abstract
Virtual communities have been the focus of research for some time. However, although many studies have provided recommendations on how to build, extend, and manage virtual communities, few have verified the success factors they have considered essential for virtual communities. Conclusions made regarding basic preferences and distinct priorities of different stakeholders in virtual communities have not been empirically substantiated. Building on previous work on success factors of virtual communities, in this article, we present a ranking of success factors discussed in the literature based on an online survey among operators and members of virtual communities in the German speaking Internet. Consequently, we identified and analyzed incongruencies between members and operators. This research gains first empirically validated insights into success factors for establishing and managing virtual communities. We derived recommendations for operators of virtual communities on the basis of the findings, and we present an agenda for future research in the field.
Language
English
Keywords
virtual communities
success factors
stakeholders of virtual communities
community building
community management
electronic commerce
CCC
HSG Classification
not classified
Refereed
Yes
Publisher
Ablex Publ.
Publisher place
Norwood, NJ
Volume
16
Number
3-4
Start page
279
End page
300
Pages
22
Subject(s)
Division(s)
Eprints ID
219539
File(s)![Thumbnail Image]()
Name
JML_69.pdf
Size
593.45 KB
Format
Adobe PDF
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