Career development of knowledge workers

M.Com. (Business Management)The knowledge economy developed out of the need for more complex products and services. The workers who are able to create such complex products and services are called knowledge workers. The term knowledge worker refers to the fact that the worker needs to be able to deal with large amounts of information, analyse and then generate knowledge out of this vast wealth of data and then be able to use this knowledge to create the necessary products and services to provide a competitive advantage for the organisation. Organisations have also become more streamlined, getting rid of hierarchical layers of managers in an effort to become agile, more responsive to market demands. As a result, traditional careers that were hierarchical in nature were abandoned. Organisations now rely on each individual to take responsibility for their own career development. The issues and factors associated with such a boundaryless career system needs to be investigated to ensure that the career needs of knowledge workers are understood if they are to contribute to the sustainable competitive advantage of their organisations. The demand for knowledge workers are on the increase, yet little is known with regards to their career perceptions and attitudes. This research study focused on exploring the issues and factors affecting the career development of knowledge workers. The reliance on knowledge workers creates interesting problems for organisations as management is no longer the only career option available. Specialisation and dual career ladders are required to ensure that the knowledge residing in the minds of knowledge workers are not lost. The first part of the research focused on a qualitative approach, focusing on a literature review of knowledge, knowledge workers and lastly, the career development of knowledge workers. A questionnaire was developed based on issues and factors that the literature review uncovered. The survey was administered in the form of an online Internet survey..