Human Resource Management in Knowledge Intensive Firms

Abstract

This chapter introduces human resource practices in contemporary knowledge-based organizations of today’s fast moving sectors. Such organizations are called ‘knowledge intensive firms’ (KIFs) which are distinct from traditional organizations as their main focus is innovation. These firms employ knowledge-oriented workers named as ‘knowledge workers’ (KWs) whose main task is to find creative solutions to complex problems and create new knowledge. Knowledge workers are well-educated experts and their nature of work includes complexity, creativity and analytical thinking. Such workers are the most important resource of KIFs, as they own the means of production. In this regard, attracting, retaining and motivating KWs have become crucial for knowledge intense firms to gain competitive advantage. Having these workers in hand, human resource management practices also differ in knowledge-oriented organizations. This chapter aims to introduce such contemporary practices and inform the reader about the strategies in attracting, retaining and motivating KWs in organizations.

Citation

Mutlu, M.D. (2020), "Human Resource Management in Knowledge Intensive Firms", Turkmenoglu, M.A. and Cicek, B. (Ed.) Contemporary Global Issues in Human Resource Management, Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 107-127. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-80043-392-220201010