Abstract
M.Com. (Business Management)
The knowledge economy developed out of the need for more complex products and
services. The workers who are able to create such complex products and services
are called knowledge workers. The term knowledge worker refers to the fact that the
worker needs to be able to deal with large amounts of information, analyse and then
generate knowledge out of this vast wealth of data and then be able to use this
knowledge to create the necessary products and services to provide a competitive
advantage for the organisation.
Organisations have also become more streamlined, getting rid of hierarchical layers
of managers in an effort to become agile, more responsive to market demands. As a
result, traditional careers that were hierarchical in nature were abandoned.
Organisations now rely on each individual to take responsibility for their own career
development. The issues and factors associated with such a boundaryless career
system needs to be investigated to ensure that the career needs of knowledge
workers are understood if they are to contribute to the sustainable competitive
advantage of their organisations.
The demand for knowledge workers are on the increase, yet little is known with
regards to their career perceptions and attitudes. This research study focused on
exploring the issues and factors affecting the career development of knowledge
workers. The reliance on knowledge workers creates interesting problems for
organisations as management is no longer the only career option available.
Specialisation and dual career ladders are required to ensure that the knowledge
residing in the minds of knowledge workers are not lost.
The first part of the research focused on a qualitative approach, focusing on a
literature review of knowledge, knowledge workers and lastly, the career
development of knowledge workers. A questionnaire was developed based on issues
and factors that the literature review uncovered. The survey was administered in the
form of an online Internet survey...