Knowledge at Work

"In this book the authors bridge a gap in the economic literature with a fresh and lively account of the crucial links among workers, knowledge work, and economic performance. Given the multi-dimensional character of the topic, they do not provide all the answers but they pose questions and guide the reader forward. This book sets the agenda on the knowledge-based economy and the complex relations that drive it." Michael Best, University of Massachusetts Lowell

"This book provides an extraordinary integration of literature on knowledge work, accompanied by a large number of cases and stories to illustrate underlying ideas. I can think of no book that offers such a stimulating and thought-provoking blend of theory and practice. Both present and future managers will greatly enjoy this book." Lars Lindkvist, Linköping University

"Both scholarly and streetwise, this book does a great job in showing what knowledge work means for the lives of the people who do it, and the performance of the organizations that try to manage it." Harry Scarborough, University of Warwick

"A very impressive account of 'knowledge at work' on several levels of analysis: individual, organization, industry, and community; that successfully connects with managerial practice" Joerg Sydow, Free University of Berlin

"This book provides unique insights into the drivers behind the knowledge economy, showing how individuals, groups, organizations and industries create and use knowledge. It provides an important and highly readable contribution to contemporary understanding of knowledge and learning processes.” David Gann, Imperial College London

"For those of us wilting under the weight of new publications on knowledge and knowledge management this book provides a welcome refuge in what is a busy, crowded and often confusing zone. Not only does it provide a broad ranging and thorough review of the key issues, but it also challenges the reader to reflect on them chapter by chapter. The book recognises what too many others don’t that all the company procedures and IT-based knowledge management systems are just tools and that people are at the centre of the knowledge based economy. The strength of the book lies in its grounding in real work examples and in its consistent use of a framework – the knowledge diamond – which highlights the interdependencies of four key participants in knowledge work: individuals, communities, organizations and industries. It should be useful to both knowledge workers themselves and those that study them." Dr Tim Brady, University of Brighton