Rosenkranz, C., Feddersen, C. (2010). Managing viable virtual communities: an exploratory case study and explanatory model. International Journal of Web Based Communities. Volume 6, Number 1: 5-14.

Rosenkranz and Feddersen's article "Managing viable virtual communities: an exploratory case study and explanatory model" examines the factors that contribute to the success of virtual communities. The authors explore a case study of a virtual community for German-speaking human resources professionals and identify five factors that contribute to the community's viability: shared goals, a sense of community, trust, effective governance, and strategic partnerships. The authors develop an explanatory model that illustrates the relationship between these factors and the community's success. The article concludes with recommendations for managers seeking to create and sustain virtual communities.