Standards for Productive Knowledge Work : Theoretical Foundation and 121 Application of an Analysis Technique

Work productivity is certainly a major factor for economic success. For organizations with highly knowledge intensive processes and products, it is knowledge work productivity that counts. The paper introduces a multi step potential analysis of knowledge work productivity and its application to several organizations. The analysis combines assessments of (1) knowledge intensity, (2) productivity with respect to typical intellectual activities such as information processing, communication, decision making, and learning, as well as (3) organizational adaptability. In this process, the difference between more or less productivity is captured by the degree to which knowledge is handled in accordance with explicit standards compared to being handled in an arbitrary manner. Results of the analysis are then used to propose both short and medium term action plans for more productive knowledge work.