The search for "Knowledge" Workers

Knowledge Management (KM), the process of finding, selecting, organising and presenting information, has been labeled as a key for companies to remain competitive.

KM is fast becoming a corporate buzzword, as more companies look into ways of managing their "knowledge base" and making information available to employees to help them become better workers. The sharing of information helps workers in problem solving, strategic planning and decision making, and often, saves them from "re-inventing the wheel". Knowlegde Management also ensures that information is captured and not lost when employees leave the company.

As more companies become aware of the benefits of KM, their hiring patterns change as they search for "knowledge workers". These companies seek employees who understand the importance of sharing, cultivating and protecting information within the company.

Below are qualities that KM-practising employers look for in their prospective employees:

• Team players: People who believe in sharing and transferring knowledge to co-workers. Individualistic employees will not work well in a Knowledge Management environment.

• I.T. savvy: Workers who are adept at using KM tools such as the internet, intranet, computerised database, email, videoconferencing, etc.

• Good communication skills: People are able to contribute to the company's knowledge base by writing comprehensive case studies and reports. Such workers would be able to translate ideas and details into useful reference source for their colleagues.

• Resourceful: Such workers are sought after because they would actively seek and use, to the fullest advantage, information that is available in the company.

This article is contributed by Adecco Personnel Sdn Bhd, the world leader in staffing services with over 3200 offices in 55 countries. Adecco has offices in Kuala Lumpur, Ampang, Petaling Jaya and Johor Bharu. Visit our website at www.adecco-asia.com/malaysia.htm.