This document discusses the difference between information work and knowledge work. Information work involves facts and data where humans are optional, while knowledge work relies on insights and meanings that are only possible through human relationships. Knowledge work builds on relationships to increase value, create meaning, and gain competitive insights in a way that allows people to see opportunities others may miss. In contrast, information work tends to be transactional and placeless. The future of work should not be viewed as a faceless exchange of information, but rather focus on knowledge work and building capacity for innovation through shared learning and ongoing relationships.

1. THE
FUTURE
OF
KNOWLEDGE
WORK

2. information work
is not
knowledge work

3. When
information work
is confused with
knowledge work
images of the future
get distorted.

4. information:
facts
data
(humans = optional)

5. knowledge:
insight
meaning
(humans = essential)

6. knowledge work
is based upon human
relationships

7. Relationships
enable us to increase
the value of our
knowledge,
create meaning +
build competitive insight.

8. This allows us to
see things together
that others don’t.

9. such as… patterns
opportunities
warning signs

10. information work
tends to be transactional,
generic, faceless +
placeless.

11. knowledge work
is about building
strong brands
based on a
sense of community +
identity.

12. information work
builds strong brands?
not so much

13. knowledge work
is about building
capacity to innovate
based on
shared learning.

14. information work
builds capacity to
innovate?
not so much

15. So when we see
the future of work
described as a faceless,
placeless…

16. interchangeable
marvel of mechanical
efficiency…

17. and cite
…
Hollywood film crews
as a future model for teams
although they have no
shared learning curve
or commitment to
ongoing relationships…

18. …let’s ask if we’re really
talking about
information work
or
knowledge work

19. knowledge work
Sharon VanderKaay
Farrow Partnership Architects
www.farrowpartnership.com