Purpose: The motivation for this investigation is to apply social networking features to a semantic network portal, which supports the efforts in enterprise training units to up-skill the employee in the company, and facilitates the creation and reuse of knowledge in online communities. Design/methodology/approach: The paper provides an overview of an emerging area for work-related research in the field of knowledge management and collaborative online communities. Findings: The growing number of social network online communities requires a systematic assessment of the application and design of social network technologies, which makes this study relevant and timely. Practical implications: This paper gives guidance in an emerging research area with major implications for online communities and human resources management. Originality/value: Fulfils a need, since a lack of literature in the field is apparent. (Contains 2 figures and 2 tables.)