A soft systems approach to knowledge worker productivity: A purposeful activity model for the individual

This research attempted to find and define holistic systems that affect the productivity of the knowledge worker (KW), using the soft systems methodology (SSM). It is not enough to look at the management and improvement of knowledge worker productivity (KWP) from the viewpoint of the organization. T...

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Published in:Administrative sciences 2021-12, Vol.11 (4), p.1-26
Main Authors: Óskarsdóttir, Helga Guðrún, Oddsson, Guðmundur Valur, Sturluson, Jón Þór, Sæmundsson, Rögnvaldur Jóhann
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
actions
Automation
Burnout
Collaboration
competencies
effectiveness
efficiency
Employment
knowledge
Knowledge management
Knowledge sharing
knowledge worker
personal resources
Productivity
soft systems methodology
Stress
Success
value
Workers
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cited_by cdi_FETCH-LOGICAL-c452t-363dc754b89c0454a0a2ea44183a36b6403c90bea2831c8ec2a450c5f6eddf033
cites cdi_FETCH-LOGICAL-c452t-363dc754b89c0454a0a2ea44183a36b6403c90bea2831c8ec2a450c5f6eddf033
container_end_page 26
container_issue 4
container_start_page 1
container_title Administrative sciences
container_volume 11
creator Óskarsdóttir, Helga Guðrún
Oddsson, Guðmundur Valur
Sturluson, Jón Þór
Sæmundsson, Rögnvaldur Jóhann
description This research attempted to find and define holistic systems that affect the productivity of the knowledge worker (KW), using the soft systems methodology (SSM). It is not enough to look at the management and improvement of knowledge worker productivity (KWP) from the viewpoint of the organization. The viewpoint of the individual KW needs to be considered as well. The KW owns the means of production; they carry their knowledge in their heads and take it with them when changing jobs. This paper proposes a conceptual framework that describes the process in which the KW uses resources to execute actions to create tangible or intangible artifacts with the intention of generating value. It was based on interpretations and inferences made from an extensive literature review using the snowballing method. This paper highlights what implications the lessons learned from the conceptual framework have on managing and improving KWP and delves deeper into four key concepts: value in knowledge work, knowledge, personal resources, and competencies.
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subjects actions
Automation
Burnout
Collaboration
competencies
effectiveness
efficiency
Employment
knowledge
Knowledge management
Knowledge sharing
knowledge worker
personal resources
Productivity
soft systems methodology
Stress
Success
value
Workers
title A soft systems approach to knowledge worker productivity: A purposeful activity model for the individual
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