Production Organization, Work Organization and Knowledge Management: A Blue Collar Perspective in an Automaker Assembly Line

Abstract

This paper aims to assess the organizational triad which is Production, Work and Knowledge. The importance of these organizational triad factors were assessed from the blue collar workers perspective. The research was conducted in an assembly line of an important Automaker installed in Brazil since the 90's. It was consistently concluded that the main factors for creating knowledge sharing context are: well understanding the objectives of management and workers, a clear definition of roles and responsibilities of the personnel involved in productive activities, good communication among those involved in the production, opportunities for their professional training and improvement, and financial incentives. These factors allow managers to promote a favourable context for knowledge sharing.