The Professional Knowledge Economy

The Professional Knowledge Economy gives an in-depth account of the role and organization of advanced knowledge workers in businesses, presenting the various ways in which different companies have structured their internal professional support activities, ranging from R&D to the legal department. The professionalization of business is related to the complexity of the business and to turbulence in the business environment.

One key issue is the increasing use of external consultants. Growth of the consultancy industry has resulted in a vast pool of advanced knowledge, providing a flexible alternative to rigid, costly internal professional support departments. But the use of outside expertise is an art, and the book examines the conditions needed for efficient integration of external professional support and the internal knowledge base.

The book contains an extensive case study of the management consultancy industry, the results of which are used to construct a framework for strategic management in the industry. Audience: Managers of professional support departments, as well as managers and experts in the consultancy industries. Of value to business researchers and economists interested in the knowledge economy.