Yuri W. Ramirez and Harry J. Steudel
The purpose of this paper is to present the knowledge work (KW) quantification framework – a mathematical model to quantify KW. The framework calculates a knowledge work score…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present the knowledge work (KW) quantification framework – a mathematical model to quantify KW. The framework calculates a knowledge work score (KWS) that positions each worker in the KW continuum.
Design/methodology/approach
The framework states that KW is a continuum and that eight KW dimensions can be used to differentiate between manual and KW. A methodology was developed that follows a series of steps to calculate the KWS. Operational definitions are presented and explained.
Findings
By assigning a knowledge work intensity score to the tasks a worker does, the knowledge work quantification framework (KWQF) calculates the intensity score for the job hence an intensity score for the worker. KWSs are calculated for two example jobs to illustrate the KWQF and the allocation of the jobs in the KW continuum.
Research limitations/implications
Since there have been no previous studies like this, it is difficult to compare results. A larger sample of workers for different work types would provide more data points in the KW continuum. Other limitations are discussed in the paper.
Practical implications
The knowledge worker (KWr) has become the predominant type of worker in today's economy. With most of manual work being researched and optimized, it is in scientifically improving our understanding of the KWr where the opportunities for improving productivity lie.
Originality/value
In the past, the field has lacked a scientific approach and has been studies more in terms of opinions and theories rather than an empirical research frame of mind. This paper is the first attempt to create a methodology that quantifies KW.
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Keywords
Miikka Palvalin, Maiju Vuolle, Aki Jääskeläinen, Harri Laihonen and Antti Lönnqvist
New Ways of Working (NewWoW) refers to a novel approach for improving the performance of knowledge work. The purpose of this paper is to seek innovative solutions concerning…
Abstract
Purpose
New Ways of Working (NewWoW) refers to a novel approach for improving the performance of knowledge work. The purpose of this paper is to seek innovative solutions concerning facilities, information technology tools and work practices in order to be able to “work smarter, not harder.” In order to develop work practices toward the NewWoW mode there is a need for an analytical management tool that would help assess the status of the organization’s current work practices and demonstrate the impacts of development initiatives. This paper introduces such a tool.
Design/methodology/approach
Constructive research approach was chosen to guide the development of the Smart ways of working (SmartWoW) tool. The tool was designed on the basis of previous knowledge work performance literature as well as on interviews in two knowledge-intensive organizations. The usefulness of the tool was verified by applying it in four organizations.
Findings
SmartWoW is a compact questionnaire tool for analyzing and measuring knowledge work at the individual level. The questionnaire consists of four areas: work environment, personal work practices, well-being at work and productivity. As SmartWoW is a standardized tool its results are comparable between organizations.
Research limitations/implications
SmartWoW was designed a pragmatic managerial tool. It is considered possible that it can be valuable as a research instrument as well but the current limited amount of collected data does not yet facilitate determining its usefulness from that perspective.
Originality/value
This paper makes a contribution to the existing literature on knowledge work measurement and management by introducing an analytical tool which takes into account the NewWoW perspective.
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Robert Bradshaw, Carina Maycock and Hülya Öztel
The purpose of this paper is to develop and enhance organisational capability through learning within a small firm context. This paper forms part of a KTP project. The paper…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to develop and enhance organisational capability through learning within a small firm context. This paper forms part of a KTP project. The paper considers here traditional quantitative approaches (where data was gathered largely through questionnaires received from a single source within the firm) approaches for measuring market orientation against a mixed methods, organisation wide perspective. For achieving this task the role of mental models are considered and the perceptions and beliefs of individuals are translated with actual actions for gaining a more accurate picture of market orientation within the firm.
Design/methodology/approach
Through a mixed methods approach a range of organisational data has been utilised to develop an understanding for not only the firms market orientation position, but also a much greater understanding of the composition of market orientation throughout the firm. Identifying differences in market orientation between departments as well as for the different levels within the firm.
Findings
The work provides a framework for better understanding disparities between past studies on market orientation. With many of these past studies being based on single source measures, key person accounts, and snap shot measures at a point in time, they provide valuable insights, but often narrow insights of the firm's position. Through an organisational wide, and longitudinal analysis a more complete understanding can be created.
Originality/value
The work brings together literature from organisational learning, market orientation and research methodology, to provide new insights on an established area of research, offering useful insight for clarifying past discrepancies.