A value-based framework for the assessment of knowledge workers

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a new framework to assess the value of a knowledge worker (KWr) in his/her organization.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed framework determines the value of each KWr based on his/her contribution to organizational value-added. The framework includes two steps: the contribution of each work process to the total organizational value-added is determined using Knowledge Value Added method; and the value of each KWr is obtained based on the contribution of his/her operational knowledge to the value-added of the processes.

Findings

This article elaborates on how KWrs’ contribution to organizational value-added can be used to assess them. A new framework is designed to serve this purpose. A case study was also carried out in a marketing department of a detergent manufacturing company to test the practical usability of the framework. The statistical analysis of the results confirms the validity of the framework.

Practical implications

The results of this research can be discussed in terms of two main issues. First, this study highlights the imperative role of KWrs in achieving success for organizations in today’s knowledge-based economy. This research urges managers of organizations to fully recognize and measure the importance and value of KWrs and recommends that the mechanisms of human resource management (such as compensation and rewarding systems, hiring process and training and development) can be modified with respect to this value measurement. Second, an applicable framework with specific and clearly defined steps is introduced in this paper, which can be used by organizations to determine the value of KWrs based on their contribution to organizational value-added. The proposed framework has two important characteristics which previous models and frameworks failed to deliver: this new framework contains detailed items and procedures that could be easily obtained and fully understood by practitioners and researchers; and the proposed framework provides the ability to compare all types of KWrs. The results obtained by implementation of this framework give insight into the appropriate managerial approaches to reach personal and organizational goals simultaneously.

Originality/value

Due to the differences between knowledge work (KW) and manual work, the management of KWrs requires its own methods and techniques. In this article, a brand new framework for KWrs’ value assessment is developed based on the characteristics of KW.

Citation

Reza Ghezel Arsalan, M., Heidary Dahooei, J. and Zolghadr Shojai, A. (2014), "A value-based framework for the assessment of knowledge workers", VINE, Vol. 44 No. 2, pp. 295-318. https://doi.org/10.1108/VINE-05-2012-0017