Managing Knowledge Work

Written by a team of highly respected authorities on management and organizational behaviour, this core textbook is grounded in an extensive body of international research and analysis that demonstrates that knowledge work depends primarily on the behaviours, attitudes and motivations of those who undertake and manage it and not simply on the implementation of information systems technology. Throughout the book, engaging case studies and role plays demonstrate the range of perspectives that can be applied to knowledge work, and the organisational conditions under which it can be managed effectively. This book is essential reading for undergraduate and postgraduate students on modules covering Knowledge Management, and ideal for modules in Human Resource Management and Organisational Studies. New to this Edition: - Updated case studies based on the latest research and with international reach - Enhanced learning and teaching tools to help students understand important concepts - A new companion website with lecturer resources

Aimed at final year undergraduates and masters students, this is the first true teaching text in the dynamic area of knowledge management. Each chapter includes learning objectives and case studies to facilitate study. The authors both consider the technical aspects of knowledge management and the significance of knowledge as a commodity in the workplace. Drawing upon a substantial body of research and giving examples of real life practice, this is a rigorous yet accessible approach to the topic. Also available is a companion website with extra features to accompany the text, please take a look by clicking below: http://www.palgrave.com/business/newell2/index.asp

Managing Knowledge Workers provides practical, doable strategies for managing, motivating, and retaining knowledge workers, without breaking the bank. Managing Knowledge Workers focuses not just on understanding the value of knowledge in your organization, but on managing the human side of intellectual capital. Shows how to use other more powerful levers than money to attract and retain the knowledge workers. Provides hands-on advice on creating the right culture and environment through communication, involvement, consultation, and teamwork. Provides practical advice on how to handle new management challenges: how to manage knowledge you don't understand, how to encourage new knowledge to come forward, and much more. Features sample dialogues that offer concrete approaches to dealing with difficult real-life situations"e;With an insightfully crafted guide to the implementation of intellectual capital concepts, Frances Horibe has made a tremendous contribution to leveraging people and their knowledge in the context of the new economy."e;Hubert Saint-OngeSenior Vice President, Strategic CapabilitiesThe Mutual Group"e;Managing Knowledge Workers is an excellent reference guide, addressing the challenges all business leaders face in maximizing the creation of shareholder wealth by harnessing the human capital of a capable and committed workforce."e;Gordon J. FeeneyVice ChairmanRoyal Bank Financial Group"e;Provides a roadmap to optimizing our knowledge workers and maximizing our technology investment. Should be read by managers at all levels of the organization."e;Ken HenryVice President, Business ExcellenceManulife Financial"e;We've finally figured out that the proxy for business success is customer loyalty. Managing Knowledge Workers is essential reading for those wanting to understand how to ensure the loyalty of those people essential to achieving customer loyalty--our employees!"e;David CarlsonA VP, Customer CareNewbridge Networks

Addresses the following questions: What is knowledge work? What are strategies and methods for increasing productivity, quality, effectiveness and value of knowledge work? Can knowledge workers be managed, and if yes, how? What are adequate methods for measuring performance of knowledge workers?

This influential book establishes the enduring vocabulary and concepts in the burgeoning field of knowledge management. It serves as the hands-on resource of choice for companies that recognize knowledge as the only sustainable source of competitive advantage going forward. Drawing from their work with more than thirty knowledge-rich firms, Davenport and Prusak--experienced consultants with a track record of success--examine how all types of companies can effectively understand, analyze, measure, and manage their intellectual assets, turning corporate wisdom into market value. They categorize knowledge work into four sequential activities--accessing, generating, embedding, and transferring--and look at the key skills, techniques, and processes of each. While they present a practical approach to cataloging and storing knowledge so that employees can easily leverage it throughout the firm, the authors caution readers on the limits of communications and information technology in managing intellectual capital.

Knowledge management is crucial to organizational learning, innovation and success within organizations. The Second Edition of the successful knowledge management reader provides a core source of key theoretical thinkers in the field and presents the most up-to-date leading-edge articles that explore emerging trends. A comprehensive introduction places these readings in context and draws together key strands across the field. The new reader includes new and revised chapters as well as newly authored material, to provide students with a current resource that enables the study of knowledge management from a variety of perspectives. Theoretical work and engaging case studies place knowledge management in the context of an emerging global economy.

Landmarks of Tomorrow forecasts changes in three major areas of human life and experience. The first part of the book treats the philosophical shift from a Cartesian universe of mechanical cause to a new universe of pattern, purpose, and process. Drucker discusses the power to organize men of knowledge and high skill for joint effort and performance as a key component of this change. The second part of the book sketches four realities that challenge the people of the free world: an educated society, economic development, the decline of government, and the collapse of Eastern culture. The final section of the book is concerned with the spiritual reality of human existence. These are seen as basic elements in late twentieth-century society. In his new introduction, Peter Drucker revisits the main findings of Landmarks of Tomorrow and assesses their validity in relation to today’s concerns. It is a book that will be of interest to sociologists, economists, and political theorists.

With the emergence of a new, powerful breed of organization--the knowledge organization--comes a bold challenge to the management of people. Employees with special cutting-edge knowledge and the ability to transform it into marketable goods and services cannot be managed in the old way. Only new ways and updated and adapted ways can work. Amar provides an in-depth understanding of who these knowledge workers are, and how to select, adapt, and develop new concepts, principles, strategies, and techniques to manage them effectively. With practical, ready-to-use assessment tools and instruments to redesign obsolescent management practices, this is an essential resource.