The ageing population and knowledge work: a context for action
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to investigate a workforce policy response to the ageing workforce, emerging social and demographic trends, ongoing and rapid change, the growth in complexity and the changing nature of work.
Design/methodology/approach
The main method for constructing this paper is analysis of selected texts rather than the more conventional empirical studies. The approach is that of scenario construction, guided by the criteria established by Nowotny et al. Evidence is gathered of emergent trends that affect management practices and structures now and in the foreseeable future. These trends are identified and woven into a commentary that links them in a focus on the priorities for Australian organizations.
Findings
The findings from this research suggest that “command‐based” management structures of the bureaucracy, given emergent trends, present as an impediment to organizational success. Rather, a workforce policy reform agenda for both understanding and managing noted historical conditions in a coherent way is proposed.
Practical implications
The conclusions of this paper are significant for large organizations faced with the dynamism of the modern era and the difficulties associated with emerging demographic and social trends. They suggest a workforce policy reform agenda for both understanding and managing these historical conditions in a coherent way.
Originality/value
This paper deals with a topic that is exercising policy makers in all the developed economies. It offers practical advice to assist the development of workforce policy to better manage emergent trends.
Keywords
Citation
Jorgensen, B. (2005), "The ageing population and knowledge work: a context for action", Foresight, Vol. 7 No. 1, pp. 61-76. https://doi.org/10.1108/14636680510581321
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2005, Emerald Group Publishing Limited