1 Working in the Knowledge SocietyThe Purposes of Knowledge The Workforce in the Knowledge Society Knowledge Productivity Content of this session Mapping the Australian WorkforceThe Purpose of Knowledge Before the 18 century, knowledge was mainly personal accessory, learned for personal pleasure. The purpose of knowledge was to make the holder effective by enabling him to know what to say and how to say it. (page 24 Drucker 1995).The Purpose of Knowledge The first transformation of knowledge resulted in the Industrial Revolution after the 1700. Knowledge was applied to improve tools, processes, and products. Invention of machines to optimise production. The first transformation (from 1700)The Purpose of Knowledge The second transformation of knowledge resulted in the revolution of productivity by the end of the 19th century. Knowledge was applied to improve human work. The introduction of scientific management (Frederick Winslow Taylor 1911) aimed to optimise productivity of human work (planning and training). The second transformation of knowledge (from 1880s)Knowledge is being applied to improve human knowledge. The productivity of knowledge (instead of tool or human work), is now the core concern. The third transformation of knowledge (from 1950s to now) The Purpose of Knowledge Knowledge is applied to generate new knowledge. Knowledge is applied to decide how the existing knowledge can be applied to produce the best results. The “Known” aspect of knowledge The knowing aspect of knowledgeThe Purpose of Knowledge Amusement Production Management Knowledge productionThe Workforce in the Knowledge Society (1) Knowledge worker Knowledge workers work with knowledge. Knowledge workers are selfprogrammable. Collectively, knowledge workers are new capitalists. The term was first proposed by Drucker in around 1960. Mobility Collaboration Innovative, adaptive, autonomous Specialised and updatedThe Workforce in the Knowledge Society (2) Borderlessness The access to knowledge is borderless. Upward mobility Competitiveness Everyone can acquire knowledge, but not everyone can win. The opportunity is opened to everyone. Working in the knowledge societyKnowledge Productivity Knowledge productivity is about communication, production and application of knowledge. The key to win is knowledge productivity. Communication Production Application signalling, absorbing and processing relevant knowledge generating and disseminating new knowledge applying knowledge for improvement and innovation (innovative, creative, adaptive)Mapping the Australian Workforce Service industries Production industries White collar occupations Blue collar occupations http://www.awpa.gov.au/publications Industrial and occupational transformationMapping the Australian Workforce Innovativeness: 19th in Global Innovation Index (2016) (NZ ranked 17)New Zealand Australia Source: http://www.wipo.int/edocs/pubdocs/en/wipo_pub_gii_2016.pdf Global Innovation Index 2016 (out of 128) 53.07/100 19 Innovation efficiency Ratio 0.64 73 Rank Global Innovation Index 2016 (out of 128) 54.23/100 17 Innovation efficiency Ratio 0.73 40Mapping the Australian Workforce Innovativeness: 19th in Global Innovation Index (2016) (NZ ranked 17) Productivity growth: Slowly improving (2% in 2014)Mapping the Australian Workforce Looking into the future: Highest growth occupations: Professionals Managers Community and Personal Services 24% 14% 10% by 2025 of the workforce Increasing requirement for post-school qualifications Source: Response to AWPA Future Focus Discussion PaperPost-school qualification requirement in Australian workforce Source: Response to AWPA Future Focus Discussion PaperConclusion: • In the knowledge society, value is created by applying knowledge for productivity and innovation. • Knowledge is a means and resource of production in the knowledge society.Preparation for next week Topic: Global Public Sphere in the Knowledge Society Reading: Calhoun, C. (2007). ‘Information Technology and the International Public Sphere’ in Sales, A. & Fournier, M. (Eds) Knowledge, Communication & Creativity. London: Sage. Gandy, Oscar. H. (2002). The Real digital divide: Citizens versus consumers, in Leah A. Lievrouw and Sonia M. Livingstone (eds.), The Handbook of New Media: Social Shaping and Consequences of ICTs, London: Sage Publications. Tutorial questions: Does the media or new communications offer the best way to raise issues and explore the promise of the knowledge society? In your opinion and your experience, do public spheres offer places to debate alternative or controversial views that make up society? Which voices seem to be the strongest in the public sphere? Is Wikileaks important for democracy? Why are democratic governments against it?References Drucker, P. F. (1995). Post-Capitalist Society. Oxford, Butterworth-Heinemann. Drucker, P. F. (2002). Managing in the Next Society. New York, Truman Talley Books. Kessels, J. W. M. (2001). "Learning in organisations: a corporate curriculum for the knowledge economy." Futures(33): 497-506. .