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.

1. KNOWLEDGE WORK
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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