Produktiwiteit en die kenniswerker

M.Com. (Business Management)A high level of productivity is of utmost importance to any nation seeking economical growth and stability. However, South Africa has fallen behind its most important trading partners regarding levels of productivity. This decline in productivity started during the late 1960's and has resulted in a subsequent decline in competitiveness. Even more alarming is the fact that some third world countries have overtaken South Africa regarding productivity, and are currently maintaining economical growth rates in excess of five percent per annum. Another trend of modern times is the rapid growth in the number of white-collar workers (including knowledge workers). This rise of the knowledge worker is a result of the swing towards technology- and service organizations. It is thus clear that. the importance of knowledge worker productivity cannot be underestimated. There are however a number of problems regarding the management and improvement of knowledge worker productivity. Most of these problems have their origin in the unique characteristics of knowledge work. The aim of this study is thus to investigate the problems regarding the measurement of knowledge work, methods of improving productivity in general as well as improving knowledge worker productivity specifically, and finally to develop a guideline for the management and improvement of knowledge worker productivity. The study begins with a thorough literature study regarding productivity, knowledge workers and productivity improvement techniques. Following this is an empirical study to investigate certain specific factors which influence productivity. Finally a conclusion is made, resulting in a guideline for the management and improvement of knowledge worker productivity