Ch. 1: Knowledge Workers

Concept and brief description:

Knowledge workers are employees whose main contribution to the organization is specialized knowledge, such as knowledge of customers, a process, or a profession. Knowledge workers are needed in today's society in order to create stronger organizations. Specialized employees can strongly benefit a company and really help a company to grow. However, replacing knowledge workers is very difficult because of their specialization and experience. Knowledge workers have power and therefore have more options and opportunities.


Emotional hook (provocative question/ claim/real-life problem):

Pretend you are sitting in a lobby waiting to be interviewed for a new job. The job seems very promising and is a strong company. Being hired would be a big step forward in your life and career. As you are waiting to be interviewed another person walks in and sits down. You begin talking and you learn that he has just as much schooling as you do but he has several special skills. He has more experience and special training. Start looking for another position and maybe look into developing more skills.


Key points to elicit in discussion:

This section really stood out to me because of where we are currently at with the economy. Jobs are scarce and hundreds of people may be applying for one position. The way to single yourself out and strengthen your resume is to specialize and learn more skills. The more skills and experience a person has the more likely a company is to hire them. A knowledge worker can greatly enhance a company in several areas. In addition, as a person learns more specialized skills they are in a stronger position as an employee. He or she is more important and can be indispensable to a company. Instead of wanting to be a part of a company, have the company want you.

Facilitative questions:

What can we do now to strengthen our skills and resume?
What problems have you faced with trying to find a job?
Why do you think it is not enough to have a degree alone?