Topic: Understanding Knowledge Work: New Challenge for Developing Human Capital in the Digital Economy

Speaker: Ronald L. Jacobs, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Time: Monday, November 11, 2019, 3:00-5:00 pm

Venue: A622, New Main Building

Abstract:

This presentation focuses on understanding how work is becoming more complex, requiring employees to use their cognitive abilities more than ever before. Many observers now refer to this phenomenon as knowledge work, following the early predictions of the management theorist, Peter Drucker, in 1957. The field of human resource development is uniquely suited to helping to understand knowledge work because of its general emphasis on work, learning, and performance. This presentation will provide a recent definition of the HRD field and suggest how HRD research might advance the needs of societies through more engaged research approaches such as partnership research. The presentation should provoke much thoughtful questions and discussion.

Biography:

Ronald L. Jacobs is professor of human resource development, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and principal of RL Jacobs & Associates, a global consulting firm. Ron has taught a wide range of graduate-level courses on HRD, including research, strategic HRD, work analysis, and consulting in organizations. Ron has authored over 100 journal articles and book chapters, and has authored or edited six books that address a range of topics in human resource and workforce development. Ron is emeritus professor of workforce development and education at The Ohio State University. He used to be the President of Academy of Human Resource Development and editor of Human Resource Development Quarterly.

School of Economics and Management