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Title:
Knowledge Based Working: Intelligent Operating for the Knowledge Age
Review:
The author Steve Ellis has a number of years experience in Knowledge
Based Working (KBW) both as a practitioner and an academic. Drawing
upon personal experience, coupled with his doctoral research studies,
he has written a very readable text, which focuses on the topic of
'knowledge work' from a human-relations perspective, rather than
focusing on KM from a technology-led perspective.
In the 'knowledge age', many organisations are facing challenges
- their most important and valuable assets are their people and the
knowledge they use in day-to-day operations. For many, this calls for
new HR management techniques, and this book is aimed at providing
advice and guidance to those who find themselves managing 'knowledge
workers', as well as those who need to have an appreciation of KBW to
support their studies (professional qualifications and continued
professional development).
The book is divided into four main chapters:
1. An introduction to Knowledge-Based Working - this covers
definitions of KBW, how it is reflected in today's organisations
and what it may mean to employees
2. Managing KBW and knowledge workers - this considers how knowledge
workers should be 'managed' and how this differs from the ways in
which managers have traditionally managed and motivated employees
3. The new rules of organisational behaviour for KBW - here, Ellis
refers to a consultancy model to assist the reader (practitioner)
to complete further analysis of KBW - referred to as the "4C's"
of KBW - Commitment, Culture, Confusion and Convergence
4. The implications of KBW - in this final chapter, Ellis considers
the immediate and future consequences of KBW from the perspectives
of individuals, managers and organisations.
Readers will learn about the implications of the new knowledge
economy, how KBW has the capacity to affect all organisations, and what
impact this will have as KBW becomes the dominant model of working in
the 21st century. The book also helps senior managers and executives
to understand how KM affects them, their employees and the broader
organisation. Organisations that have focused heavily on a KM systems
approach will find this book provides them with some
alternative/complementary methods that will help to support their
present KM activities.
Chapters are interspersed with 'reflection points' allowing the reader
to consider issues raised and each chapter concludes with a set of
self-assessment questions. The book contains some practical case study
examples, drawn from the author's experience, and these are presented
in a way that reinforces learning points.
The book is a slim volume (136 pages) and written in a style that
makes it accessible to both the novice and the expert. Ellis is a firm
believer in the positive benefits that KBW brings. He shows very
clearly how the vast majority of us are being exposed to KBW in these
changing times and how we might adapt to the new ways of working.
Free Pint Reviewer:
Jela Webb, via her business, Azione, is a freelance strategic advisor,
consultant and trainer in information and knowledge management,
working with private and public sector clients. An associate of
Ashridge, Learnership and TFPL, she has implemented KM programmes in
FTSE 100 companies and has a particular interest in how best to manage
and motivate knowledge workers.
She is also a Visiting University and Business School Lecturer and
presents at KM conferences. As a writer, Jela has contributed articles
to KM journals and last year published a report 'KM for SMEs:
Solutions and Strategies'.
She may be contacted via http://www.azione.co.uk.
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