Thinking For A Living

Thomas H Davenport

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Knowledge workers create the innovations and strategies that keep their firms competitive and the economy healthy. Yet, companies continue to manage this new breed of employee with techniques designed for the Industrial Age. As this critical sector of the workforce continues to increase in size and importance, that's a mistake that could cost companies their future. Thomas Davenport argues that knowledge workers are vastly different from other types of workers in their motivations, attitudes, and need for autonomy--and, so, they require different management techniques to improve their performance and productivity.

Based on extensive research involving over 100 companies and more than 600 knowledge workers, Thinking for a Living provides rich insights into how knowledge workers think, how they accomplish tasks, and what motivates them to excel. Davenport identifies four major categories of knowledge workers and presents a unique framework for matching specific types of workers with the management strategies that yield the greatest performance.

Written by the field's premier thought leader, Thinking for a Living reveals how to maximize the brain power that fuels organizational success. Thomas Davenport holds the President's Chair in Information Technology and Management at Babson College. He is director of research for Babson Executive Education; an Accenture Fellow; and author, co-author, or editor of nine books, including Working Knowledge: How Organizations Manage What They Know (HBS Press, 1997).

What will you learn from this book

  1. Knowledge Work: The book focuses on knowledge work and the challenges associated with managing and optimizing the performance of workers whose primary output is based on intellectual contributions, analysis, and expertise.

  2. Understanding Knowledge Workers: It delves into the nature of knowledge work, highlighting the unique characteristics, skills, and challenges of knowledge workers compared to traditional labor.

  3. Productivity and Effectiveness: Strategies are offered to enhance the productivity and effectiveness of knowledge workers, considering factors like workflow, tools, and environment.

  4. Managing Complexity: Knowledge work often involves dealing with complex problems. The book likely addresses methods for managing complexity effectively and facilitating problem-solving among knowledge workers.

  5. Collaboration and Communication: The importance of collaboration, effective communication, and knowledge sharing among knowledge workers to maximize collective expertise and drive innovation.

  6. Technology and Tools: Leveraging technology and providing appropriate tools to support knowledge workers in their tasks, facilitating better decision-making and efficiency.

  7. Metrics and Measurement: Methods for measuring the performance and output of knowledge workers, including key metrics beyond traditional productivity measures.

  8. Continuous Learning and Development: Strategies for continuous learning and skill development for knowledge workers to stay relevant and adapt to evolving work requirements.

  9. Leadership and Management of Knowledge Workers: Insights into effective leadership styles and management approaches tailored to support and empower knowledge workers.

  10. Cultural and Organizational Factors: The role of organizational culture in fostering an environment that encourages creativity, innovation, and optimal performance among knowledge workers.

Language English
ISBN-10 1-59139-423-6
ISBN-13 9781591394235
No of pages 226
Font Size Medium
Book Publisher Harvard Business Review Press
Published Date 13 Sep 2005

About Author

Author : Thomas H Davenport

2 Books

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