Knowledge work 2020: thinking ahead about knowledge work

Abstract

PurposeThis is the knowledge age and, to put it in Peter Drucker's language, knowledge workers and their knowledge are a vital component of this economy. Yet, so little is really known about these workers. New research is needed to better understand the issues surrounding the recruitment, productivity, deployment, and retention of these workers. This research aims to address this issue.Design/methodology/approachThe research was conducted through a 35‐part questionnaire administered in mid‐2008 to 125 business and government executives/professionals located in North America, Europe, and South America.FindingsThe research delineates two major work groups by age: 25 years old; and 26‐40 years old. The top two preference findings for 25‐year olds include: recruitment – flexi‐work and cultural diversity; retention – education/training and communities and networks; valued skills – team/collaboration and specialized technical; and technologies – collaboration tools and e‐mail, search, portals. The top two preference findings for 26‐40‐year olds include: recruitment – flexi‐work and job security; retention – communities and networks and documentation; valued skills – project management and strategic thinking; and technologies – collaboration tools and e‐mail, search, portals. Finally, measuring performance improvement metrics for these workers were: improved quality of output, task execution speed, and high‐impact innovation (as opposed to cost reduction and work elimination); innovation (25 years); and superior decision‐making/risk assessment capabilities (26‐40 years)Originality/valueThis field research provides a management framework for helping organizational leadership to make strategic decisions on how to build a more competitive and attractive workplace over the next ten years.