Employers and the New Generation of Employees - Essay Example

Hutchins (2007) defines a knowledge worker as a person who is responsible for innovation and continuous improvement. These workers possess knowledge that enables them to perform work that does not fall under the routine category that can be standardized and ultimately outsourced. Such knowledge includes both technical and hard knowledge skills which enable workers to provide solutions to problems that require thinking ad the application of complex thinking. The other component of such knowledge is soft skills or the emotional and personal maturity quotient that enables an individual to interact successfully with others in the accomplishment of tasks and also self-manage work.

            Since I work as an IT professional, I would categorize myself as a knowledge worker because of the technical knowledge I possess in the area of programming for various applications. Problem-solving requires the application of this knowledge, and also requires soft skills such as the ability to work in groups because most IT work is done in teams and groups. Some examples of knowledge workers are those who possess specialized or highly technical knowledge, such as engineers, medical or legal professionals, or IT workers responsible for systems design. Most technology jobs fall under the category of knowledge-based jobs, however, in most occupations, routine, desk-level jobs can be standardized and outsourced. Job growth in the next couple of decades is predicted to be highest in well-paying occupations requiring “expert thinking” and “complex human communication.” (Levy and Murmane, 2004:80). Hence, knowledge workers are those who possess a level of knowledge and the ability to engage in expert thinking and are also able to interact effectively with others at different levels.

 (2)     In the knowledge economy, work patterns are changing. As pointed out by Smith (2005) in his comparison of the work habits of the Baby Boomer generation and the young workers of today who belong to the Internet age, there is a higher level of independence and flexibility sought by the latter.

Where knowledge workers are concerned, soft skills and effective networking is also an important element in improving their work output. (Cross et al, 2003).

This can be accomplished by managers creating opportunities for workers to create social contacts by organizing non-work-related face-to-face meetings. This helps workers to develop a strong base of contacts with individuals from a similar background, they are more likely to help each other out.

            Managers can also be useful in the selection of employees and providing motivating them. At a company such as Goldman Sachs, every MBA applicant is carefully interviewed to ensure that the new employee will fit into the company culture and organizational structure (Schuler and Macmillan, 1984). Some companies, such as Proctor and Gamble, Morgan Guaranty Trust, and IBM initiate a socialization process as a part of the selection/recruitment process so that new employees are exposed to the corporate culture of the firm and the way things are done. In the Bairnco Corporation, bonuses were linked to performance for top-level executives and the company was able to almost double its sales from $270 million to $442 million in the short span of two years. In the case of Lincoln Electric, workers receive a share in the profits, which imbues workers with a high motivation to produce. (Schuler and Macmillan, 1984).