Preceding Factors of the Third Place Characteristics of Communities of Practice and their Effects of Third-Place Characteristics on Cross-Border Learning:

Design of Hypothetical Model and Research Significance

Abstract

The third-place “TP” characteristics, which are noted from the study of Oldenburg (1998/2013), has not been noticed in existing studies of community of practice. However, TP characteristics are said to increase learning motivation and promote learning. The purpose of this study is to examine the preceding factors of TP characteristics, to present a hypothetical model to clarify how TP characteristics affect cross-border learning of community of practice, and to clarify future research issues. As a result of the research, the following three hypotheses were presented. "The thoughtful leadership of the coordinators of the community of practice enhances the TP characteristics of the practice community." "The informality of the community of practice enhances the TP characteristics of the community of practice." "The higher TP characteristics of the community of practice, the more cross-border learning of the community of practice is promoted." TP can be a key factor in the management of a community of practice.