Future of work and work skills in knowledge-intensive services: impact of new media and technologies

Abstract

The increase in knowledge work combined with the popularity of new media and technologies is changing the nature of work. This has led to a need for and a rise in collaboration levels internally in an organization as well as the organization’s ability to tap into and collaborate with its external ecosystem.

Through two case studies, we describe the changing nature of work and the kind of capabilities required for knowledge workers, managers, and organizations to be successful in this context. Social and Interpersonal Skills, Problem-Solving Skills, as well as the need for continuous learning emerge as essential requirements in this changing context. This also implies that the managers’ role is changing from planning and coordination to functioning as enablers for their teams.