Information and communication technology (ICT) is a key pillar of supporting CoPs. Virtual CoPs (i.e.: CoPs applying technology enabling asynchronous and distant communications), are growing in numbers. The increase is supported by the availability of new ICT, like for example Enterprise Social Platforms (ESP). ESPs support CoP however empirical based studies investigating ESP application in the context of intentionally developed CoPs are still scarce. This study contributes to filling this gap by exploring CoP participants\u2019 behaviour which includes use of an ESP. In particular, we investigate the case of a global engineering company specialized in pharmacy, that has an explicit strategy of developing global CoPs to improve internal knowledge exchange and collaboration processes. At present, 20 active communities involve about 1400 employees. The ESP \u2018Connect\u2019 supports the CoPs. The case company is explored through an online survey comprising 22 questions that was distributed via \u2018Connect\u2019 between September and October 2018. 262 responses were collected (Response rate app. 19%) from employees located in 8 different countries.
According to the CoP participants can be divided into two groups that have distinctly different behaviour; active and passive. The \u2018Active\u2019 group rely significantly more on external sources and especially on Connect than passive users. Also, the \u2018active\u2019 group is more satisfied with 'Connect\u2019 and participate in collaborations. The \u2018passive\u2019 group relies on information from nearest colleagues and rarely contribute to conversations on \u2018Connect\u2019. The paper contributes with knowledge about how participants in CoPs supported by ESPs behave differently and thus might be motivated differently
