Knowledge Workers

1287 Words3 Pages

For most of human history, our ability to work and prosper was directly related to physical strength; consider a farmer in the days before tractors or a miner before machines became common place. Although many occupations still call for strength and manual dexterity, Drucker (2006) states that, “the center of gravity has shifted to the knowledge worker, the man who puts to work what he has between his ears rather than the brawn of his muscles or the skill of his hands” (p.3). How can “knowledge workers” be defined? How do they make decisions that impact the organization, what are the realities facing them, and, most importantly, what habits allow the them to be effective within a given organization? Based on the definition above, we can conclude that the knowledge workers use theories, concepts, ideas, formulas, pastern analysis, and are frequently called upon to make decisions. One knowledge worker may decide where to open a new supermarket, and another may decide to pursue Ion Blocker 42 for a new drug instead of Ion Blocker 13. Both knowledge workers are putting plans into action, getting things done, and executing. In everyday language, the terms “Executive” and “Manager” are used interchangeably, but …show more content…

The effective executive must know where his or her time goes, focus on outward contribution, build on strengths, concentrate efforts in a few critical areas, and make effective decisions. With regards to knowing one's time, Drucker specifically argues that, “As usually presented, delegation makes little sense. If it means that somebody else ought to do part of ‘my work,’ it is wrong ” (p. 37). Delegation should not be done to avoid work. The effective executive delegates so that he or she can focus his or her efforts on the area that will give the greatest contribution to the

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