WHAT IS IT?
The Knowledge Revolution is about a fundamental socioeconomic change from adding value by producing things (which is ultimately limited), to adding value by creating and using knowledge that can grow indefinitely. Johnson (1997) observes that when such paradigm shifts occur only once every few centuries, one has to be a visionary to see beyond the limits of current forms.
Knowledge is a `public good' (Chinchilinksy, 1998). We can share it with others without losing it. Knowledge is not `rival' in consumption, as are apples or oranges for example.
"Social diversity is another important factor in the knowledge revolution. In many cases the more diverse a society, the more it can innovate by cross- fertilisation of ideas from different sources."
(Chinchilinksy, 1998)
Peter Drucker, (see Drucker Institute), also spoke of an era of overwhelming information, in which both enterprises and individuals will have to learn to organise knowledge as their key resource. Many experts talk about networking and the ability to create and manage alliances as core competencies in a fluid world.
Whilst technology has provided us with the ability to connect globally, it is the planet's human capital that will ultimately provide the creativity and motivation to achieve more positive relationships and alliances. Conversely, this human capital can often use unconscious assumptions, preferences and biases, creating unnecessary barriers that prevent us from moving forward.
WHAT ARE KNOWLEDGE WORKERS?
Knowledge workers in today's workforce are individuals who are valued for their ability to interpret information within a specific subject area. They will often advance the overall understanding of that subject through focused analysis, design and/or development. They use research skills to define problems and to identify alternatives. Fueled by their expertise and insight, they work to solve problems, in an effort to influence decisions, priorities and strategies.
Knowledge workers may be found across a variety of information technology roles, but also among professionals like teachers, lawyers, architects, physicians, psychologists, nurses, engineers and scientists. As businesses increase their dependence on information technology, the number of fields in which knowledge workers must operate has expanded dramatically.
Positive knowledge is part of this paradigm shift. The PPI Team are knowledge workers, synthesising current knowledge and emerging scientific research to lead the way in creating a complementary 'positive revolution' for sustainable change (Cooperrider & Whitney, 2009).
The Positive Psychology Institute aims to be an integral part of the Knowledge Revolution by way of innovation. PPI supports and practices the notion of cross-fertilisation of ideas and social diversity through the reduction of unconscious preferences and biases and the enhancement of mindfulness, open-mindedness and positive collaborative relationships. This approach has profound implications for everyone interested in leading with higher levels of hope and optimism and winning the future through the application of theory and research to engage human strengths in work and life.
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