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Knowledge work : Ambiguity, image and identity

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Author

Summary, in English

This article takes a sceptical view of the functionalist understanding of the nature and significance of ‘knowledge’ in so-called knowledge- intensive companies. The article emphasizes the slipperiness of the concept of knowledge, the ambiguity of knowledge, its role in what is constructed as knowledge work and the evaluation of work outcomes. Given this ambiguity, the management of rhetoric, image and social processes appears crucial in organizations of this kind. Difficulties in demonstrating competence and performance - as well as the significance of producing the right impression - make work identity difficult to secure. However, this is a key element in doing knowledge work. Successful rhetoric, image production and orchestration of social interactions call for the regulation of employee identities.

Publishing year

2001

Language

English

Pages

863-886

Publication/Series

Human Relations

Volume

54

Issue

7

Document type

Journal article

Publisher

SAGE Publications

Topic

  • Business Administration

Keywords

  • ambiguity
  • identity
  • knowledge-intensive companies
  • professional services
  • rhetoric

Status

Published

ISBN/ISSN/Other

  • ISSN: 0018-7267