Knowledge Management Issues in the Management of Professional Engineers

Abstract

The critical importance of knowledge as a resource and its consequent management issues are recognised critical for business success and competitive advantage. This paper, based on the author's Ph D study and ongoing research on engineers, argues that the current systems of managing engineers are not sufficient to deal with the knowledge dimension effectively. To derive competitive advantage from knowledge and knowledge management, business

organisations must develop appropriate systems and policies, which will cultivate and support such knowledge workers. This paper outlines the increasing importance of knowledge in business organisations, concepts, and issues in managing professional engineers. It highlights some of the problems in managing professional engineers and their knowledge, such as sharing and leveraging their knowledge capabilities across the entire organisation, supporting

internal organisational systems, knowledge creation, acquisition, transfer, and renewal.