The 2020 federal knowledge worker
| Pages | 277-286 |
| Date | 17 August 2010 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/03055721011071403 |
| Published date | 17 August 2010 |
| Author | Charles Engle,Nancy Engle |
| Subject Matter | Information & knowledge management |
The 2020 federal knowledge
worker
Charles Engle and Nancy Engle
Institute for Knowledge and Innovation, George Washington University,
Washington, DC, USA
Abstract
Purpose – This paper aims to look at the culture of federal workers and some reasons why
workers may or may not want to share knowledge among their peers. To overcome the resistance
to knowledge sharing, the paper seeks to explore the benefits of having a knowledge management
facilitator with experience in the social professions guiding an agency toward becoming a team
learning organization. The objective is to show how cultural changes among the federal workers
can enable them to participate in team learning and achieve their fullest potential in their careers
and their personal lives. Through employee enrichment, federal organizations can enable their
workers to achieve new goals, which in turn can promote improved efficiency, innovation, and
effectiveness within the organization.
Design/methodology/approach – Some federal agencies have a strong KM program in place that
applies the concepts involving people, processes, learning and technology as part of their culture.
Others have focused on the technology aspect of KM, while resisting incorporation of the remaining
elements that are necessary to sustain a knowledge-sharing culture. Although more investigation is
needed to determine each federal agency’s position on knowledge management, one thing is certain –
encouraging individuals to reach their fullest potential will have a beneficial impact among federal
agencies and encourage knowledge sharing among the workforce.
Findings – The paper illustrates that addressing the people aspect of KM is an important step that
can provide a foundation for establishing a sound knowledge management program throughout the
federal government. Focusing on the individual workers, it is necessary to keep in mind the systems
approach to KM and incorporate appropriate elements of the system, as individuals are encouraged to
participate in the knowledge management process. The paper provides certainty that implementing a
sound KM program will benefit today’s federal knowledge worker and further the growth of the future
knowledge worker in the 2020 decade.
Practical implications – The paper improves the efficiency of the federal workforce.
Social implications – The paper acknowledges the federal worker’s value, which instils a
commitment of the federal knowledge worker and stimulates employee creativity.
Originality/value – The paper provides insight into the culture of federal workers and changes that
can be made to improve the innovation, efficiency and effectiveness of the federal work force.
Keywords Knowledge management, Culture, Federalgovernment, Knowledge sharing
Paper type Conceptual paper
Introduction
As we look at the practice of knowledge management (KM) within the US Federal
Government, we see many agencies practicing KM, each with goals to improve the
effectiveness of the organization. However, the understanding of KM varies widely
throughout the government sector. Some agencies will apply proven KM principles
while other agencies will focus on an information technology solution to knowledge
management.
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at
www.emeraldinsight.com/0305-5728.htm
The 2020 federal
knowledge
worker
277
VINE: The journal of information and
knowledge management systems
Vol. 40 No. 3/4, 2010
pp. 277-286
qEmerald Group Publishing Limited
0305-5728
DOI 10.1108/03055721011071403
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