KNOWLEDGE   WORK / WORKER

"Organization Design and The Knowledge Worker"
The field of organization design is changing rapidly, reflecting contributions from managers
and diverse organizational consultants. One of the most recent developments is in the design of
non-routine systems. Explores non-routine systems design from a socio-technical systems (STS)
perspective. Includes a brief discussion of non-routine systems and an examination of alternative
methods for diagnosing and redesigning organizations composed of knowledge workers.
The results of two STS case studies provide new learnings and point to special design principles
for non-routine systems. Concludes with implications for both managers and STS consultants
 interested in management of knowledge workers.
By Stebbins & Shani, Journal of Systemic Knowledge Management, Feb. 1998.

"Why Information Technology Inspired But Cannot Deliver Knowledge Management"
One of the very best articles to clarify the distinction between 'information' and 'knowledge', and
the linkage between knowledge, thinking, and community. While the knowledge 'revolution' is
upon us, it takes human systems to realize it. This article discusses the four key challenges in
building these human systems/communities. Ultimately, by combining human and information
systems, organizations can build a capacity for learning that is broader than the learning of any
 individuals within them.
By Richard McDermott, California Management Review, Vol.41:4, 1999

"Enterprise 2.0: The Dawn of Emergent Collaboration"
Leaders have a delicate and significant role to play, if they want Enterprise 2.0 technologies to
succeed in their organization. Wikis, blogs, and group-messaging software can make a corporate
intranet into a constantly changing collaborative platform. Yet, leaders have to encourage and
stimulate use of the new tools, and then, refrain from intervening too often. If they fail at either,
their company is liable to wind up with only a few online newsletters, used for prosaic purposes.
By Andrew McAfee, MIT Sloan Management Review, Spring 2006.

"Sociotechnical Systems as Applied to Knowledge Work"
A sociotechnical approach focuses on deliberations formed around topics, establishes variances
that lead to poor deliberations, and designs forums that minimize variances while giving control
to discretionary coalitions. This study reviews and compares literature on sociotechnical
applications of non-routine knowledge work environments, and places specific focus on the design
of information technology forums that enhance knowledge development.
By Ronald Oswald, Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, CA., June 1998.

"A Revolution in Interaction: Growth of Tacit Knowledge Work"
The research underpinning this article deepens understanding of the impact of global forces that
are dramatically changing the nature of work. In addition, experiments and simulations are used
to gauge the potential impact of new technologies on the time and cost of routine economic
interactions. Enhanced interactive capacity will create new ways to configure business, organize
companies, serve customers, and have profound effects on the structure, strategy, and
competitive dynamics of industries.
By Butler et al, The McKinsey Company, McKinsey Quarterly, Number 1, 1997.

"Knowledge Management Bibliography"
Over a thousand detailed references from journals and publications worldwide.
By Herwig Rollett, Institute for Information Systems, Graz, Austria, 2003 .