Digitalization in knowledge work: the dream of enhanced performance

The landscape and nature of knowledge work is changing due to digitalization. There are many expectations set for the digitalization and its impact on knowledge work performance. In this paper, the purpose is to critically examine the effects of digitalization on knowledge work performance through an empirical study consisted of multiple datasets representing knowledge workers in four different professions and three vocation sectors. The study is able to show that even though knowledge workers gain several benefits from digitalization, the effects of opposite, value destroying factors, are still stronger. This study contributes to the timely discussion on modern work by identifying the potential restraints and showing their relation to performance. Moreover, based on the results of the study, the critical areas that need managerial attention in digitalizing knowledge work are highlighted.