Knowledge Work
The document discusses knowledge work and knowledge workers. It defines knowledge work as work based on cognitive skills that results in intangible outputs through information processing and creativity. Knowledge workers are those who engage primarily in knowledge work, such as doctors, lawyers, teachers, and financial analysts. The term "knowledge work" was coined by Peter Drucker in 1973 to describe the most valuable asset of 21st century institutions. Characteristics of knowledge workers include continuing innovation, self-management, and being viewed as an asset rather than a cost. Types of knowledge work include diagnosis, planning, monitoring, organizing, authoring, and system development. Technology such as personal computers, networks, and intelligent workstations support knowledge work.
Knowledge Work
- 2. 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
- 5. 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 skills Mental dexterity Manual skills Manual dexterity Tools Information & communication tools Tools for physical work
- 8. KNOWLEDGE WORK Knowledge 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.
- 14. 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.”
- 15. 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.
- 16. Types of Knowledge Work Diagnosis and Problem finding Planning and decision making Monitoring and control Organizing and scheduling Authoring and presentation Communication System Development
- 17. Technology in Support of Knowledge Work Personal Computers Communication Networks Intelligent Workstations