The authors present a parsimonious theoretical model that illustrates how Internet-based virtual environments (such as social networking Web sites) moderate the relationship between social networks and social entrepreneurship. Social networks promote social entrepreneurship by means of (a) technology and knowledge transfer; (b) locating information; (c) generating entrepreneurial opportunities;...

This paper proposes a context-based approach of social networks and virtual communities in the enterprise area. We point out that making context explicit it is possible to provide a global picture of the main aspects of social networks. A first result of this study is that the explicit consideration of contexts—especially shared contexts—could improve notably the collaborative-work processes in...

This paper presents a novel framework for ubiquitous social networks (USNs). Instead of making virtual connections, on the basis of human social networks, an effort has been made to facilitate interactions among human social networks with the help of virtual social networks. The imperative domains that support ubiquitous social networks are highlighted and different scenarios are provided to pr...

This chapter presents the interrelationships between professional virtual communities and social networks, and analyzes how, and in what ways, these communities play a crucial role in the creation and sharing of knowledge. The chapter begins by outlining how virtual communities are gaining importance in the new environment. It explains what we understand as a professional virtual community and ...