The term "knowledge worker," coined by management consultant Peter Drucker, specifically refers to individuals whose primary capital is their knowledge and whose work consists mainly of processing and applying information. They are valued for their mental skills, such as analysis, problem-solving, and creativity, rather than physical labor. An employee specializing in contract negotiations perfectly fits this definition, as their role relies on expertise, strategic thinking, and intellectual capabilities to create value for the organization.

A. Skilled workers: This is a general term. While knowledge workers are skilled, this category also includes individuals with specialized manual or technical trades, making it less precise.

C. supply management workers: This describes a professional's functional department or field (supply management), not the fundamental nature of their work (intellectual vs. manual).

D. decision makers: This describes a responsibility or role. While knowledge workers are often decision-makers, this term is not a formal classification for a type of employee.

1. Drucker

P. F. (1999). Knowledge-Worker Productivity: The Biggest Challenge. California Management Review

41(2)

79–94. In this foundational article

Drucker defines knowledge workers as those who work with their minds and whose primary output is knowledge or information.

2. Brinkley

I. (2006). Defining the Knowledge Economy. The Work Foundation. Page 8 defines knowledge workers as "those who work in knowledge-intensive industries or in knowledge-intensive occupations

" emphasizing their high-level skills and role in innovation.

3. Reinhardt

W.

Schmidt

B.

Sloep

P.

& Drachsler

H. (2011). Knowledge worker roles and actions–results of a literature review. Knowledge and Process Management

18(3)

150-174. This peer-reviewed article synthesizes definitions

describing knowledge workers as people who "think for a living" and whose work is non-routine and involves complex problem-solving.