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| Title |
WHOLE
Work process knowledge in technological
and organisational development (Thematic Network) |
| Synopsis |
The
concept of work process knowledge was introduced to refer to the
knowledge which employees need for working in organisations which have
developed more flexible structures and which have introduced new technology
in search of greater competitiveness. This is not 'inert' knowledge, but
guides the work process, and is continuously being produced in the workplace
through the work process itself.
The study of work process knowledge in this project starts out from the
changes in working practices that are occurring across Europe, as enterprises
develop greater flexibility, and/or introduce new technologies, in response
to the pressures of competition. The basic hypothesis is that in these
transformed work situations, employees at all levels need a broad knowledge
of the whole work process - including the means of production and the labour
process. Giving employees this level of knowledge represents a radical
development in industrial training practice, as employees of Taylorist
organisations are generally given only the bare minimum of underpinning
knowledge for their own narrow tasks. (Boreham
et al. 2000a, pp. 13; 3). |
| Reference |
The
concept of work process knowledge, including its origins and implications
in several cultural contexts of Europe, is further explored in the final
report (Boreham et al. 2000a, pp. 13-42).
See
also project info on WHOLE. |
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