Hewlett‐Packard Consulting and Integration shows that one size does not fit all : Japan's learning communities foster face‐to‐face communications

Purpose – Explains and analyzes community‐based corporate knowledge sharing and organizational learning, the actual use of communities in Hewlett‐Packard Consulting and Integration, and their role in advancing and making the most of knowledge. Design/methodology/approach – Draws on interviews with top executives, middle managers and employees. Findings – Identifies an effective approach to community‐based knowledge sharing and organizational learning at Hewlett‐Packard Consulting and Integration Japan's learning communities. Practical implications – Shows that IT‐based knowledge‐management tools cannot substitute for rich human interaction. This also implies that communities should not become too big, because face‐to‐face communication between all members will barely be possible. Originality/value – Presents a real‐life example of an effective community at the case study organization.