The Role of Shapers in Knowledge-Sharing

Wikis are a collaborative technology that allows for new ways of working and sharing knowledge. While most firms today have been experimenting with wikis, an important element of the use of wikis that has generally been ignored is the role of the people who shape the wiki pages. Shapers ensure the sustainability of a wiki community by helping to ensure that new ideas and contributions are made and organized. This panel consists of four practitioners who play critical shaping roles in their wiki communities, and two academics who will begin, moderate, and summarize the session. The panel of practitioners will share their thoughts on why they shape, how they shape, and how other communities can help to encourage participants to adopt the shaping role.