The analysis of software and network technology's differential effects on knowledge work productivity

Modern information technology has become an indispensable tools for the knowledge work. The optimization and standardization of work process from the industrial era to the post-industrial society are realized by the major means of information technology. The rapid development of information technology provided an effective means for the knowledge work. However, the effects mechanism of different kinds of information technology on the knowledge work productivity has not been clear. From the literature review we found that, software system and networks, as the most frequently used information technology tools, have the different effects at the level of the individual end-user. The empirical study indicates that, software systems and network technology have become the essential aids for knowledge work. On the five dimensions of knowledge work productivity (efficiency, quality, innovation, customer satisfaction and collaboration), the impacts of software systems and network technology show the significant differences. In terms of efficiency and quality, the role of software is significantly better than network. While in the dimensions of customer satisfaction, innovation and collaboration, the role of the network is significantly better than software. This paper seeks the different “focal point” of software systems and networks on knowledge work productivity.