Anachronism is a curse on both organizations and individuals alike. Organizations which failed to cope with time have been wiped out and have become history. This article attempts to provide a deeper understanding of knowledge work and knowledge workers. It identifies the prerequisites for an organization to create and manage a culture conducive for knowledge work. It also looks at the implications on core HR practices like recruitment, selection and performance of management practices.

The whole discipline of management has always been full of fads and trends. The longevity of fads has been small in comparison to trends, yet they have hogged the limelight during their time. Scientific management theory, human relations, strategic planning, etc., are amongst the important trends that management has witnessed. Managers always had the daunting task of adapting themselves and their organizations to these trends. Many of the trends have made indelible impressions, some still in vogue and some faded. However, managers prioritize these trends and emphasize the important ones. Knowledge work, knowledge worker and knowledge management are among the more significant trends, which need to be probed and subtle intricacies identified.

Since time immemorial, the word knowledge has been used time and again by authors, academicians and the common man. The word has had various connotations and implications. "Actionable wisdom" or "experiences in action" are definitions of knowledge that modern organizations embrace. Processed data yields information and only when a meaning is imparted to it, knowledge is generated. For example, processing data from a survey generates information and when results are drawn, it adds to the body of knowledge. "Knowledge worker", a term coined by Peter Drucker in 1959, is one who works primarily with information or one who develops and uses knowledge in the workplace. The term was wrongly perceived to have limited applicability in selected industries. Now, the term is perceived with a broader implication applicable across industries.

HRM Review Magazine, Knowledge Work and Knowledge Workers, Anachronism, Management Practices, Scientific Management Theory, Knowledge Management, Knowledge Skills, People Management, HR Practices, Employee Stock Ownership Plan, ESOP, Compensation System, Modern Organizations, Recruitment Process.