KNOWLEDGE WORK

Lekshmi.S

The longest non-technical word in major dictionaries is floccinaucinihilipilification at 29 letters. Consisting of a series of Latin words meaning "nothing" and defined as "the act of estimating something as worthless"; its usage has been recorded as far back as 1741

Basis Knowledge Work Material Work

Input Information/Knowledge Material Input

Output Information/Knowledge Tangible Product/Service

Work/Object Intangible Tangible

Activity Processing of information, creating & using Knowledge

Processing of material input

Skills Cognitive skillsMental dexterity

Manual skillsManual dexterity

Tools Information & communication tools

Tools for physical work

KNOWLEDGE WORKKnowledge work is an activity based on cognitive skills that has an intangible result and whose value added relies on information processing and creativity, and consequently on the creation and communication of knowledge.

Knowledge Workers are people who primarily engage in knowledge work. Knowledge workers are employees who have a deep background in education and experience and are considered as people who “ Think for Living ”.Eg: Doctors, Lawyers,Inventors,Teachers,Financial Analysts and Architects.

The term “Knowledge Work” was coined by management consultant PETER.F.DRUCKER IN 1973.He suggested that “the most valuable asset of a 21st century institution, whether business or non-business, will be its knowledge workers and their productivity.”

Characteristics of Knowledge Workers

Continuing Innovation has to be part of the work, the task and the resposibility of knowledge workers.

Knowledge workers must manage themselves.The manager can only be a source of help,not a boss.They have to have autonomy.

Knowledge worker productivity requires that the know the knowledge worker is both seen and treated as an ‘asset’ rather than a ‘cost’.knowledge workers want to work for the organization in preference to all other opportunities.

Types of Knowledge Work

Diagnosis and Problem findingPlanning and decision makingMonitoring and controlOrganizing and schedulingAuthoring and presentationCommunicationSystem Development

Technology in Support of Knowledge Work

Personal Computers Communication Networks Intelligent Workstations