Factores explicativos de la intención de continuar en comunidades virtuales de práctica

The intention to continue is one of the key elements for the sustainability of Virtual Communities. Previous research highlights the importance of technological, personal and motivational factors in retaining members (Hsu et al, 2014, Zhang, Liu, Yan, & Zhang, 2016, Zheng, Zhao, & Stylianou, 2013). Likewise, in organizations the use of Virtual Communities of Practice (CVP) has benefits but it is necessary to study the factors that facilitate the maintenance and participation of its members (Fang & Chiu, 2010). The aim of this study is to identify which factors predict the intention to continue participating in CVPs and which concrete variable is more important. The specific sample consisted of 114 members of several CVPs, all of them professionals of a confederation of associations of people with intellectual or development functional diversity (Psychologists, technicians, social workers). Hierarchical regression and step regression analyzes were performed. The results show that the set of technological, personal and motivational factors predicts the intention to continue participating. Specifically, the model composed of interactivity, self-efficacy and identification has more influence on the intention to continue. The theoretical implications are also exposed, as well as the recommendations for professional practice.