South Africa’s Future Knowledge Workers: A Peep into their Goals and Motivations for Innovation

Abstract

The demand for knowledge workers is on the increase, yet little is known about their career perceptions and what motivate them to innovate. This article explores issues with regard to perceptions and motivations for creativity and innovation in knowledge work. A survey was conducted amongst a sample of knowledge workers in South Africa to determine the role of innovation in career satisfaction. Most of the knowledge workers believed that innovation is a key prerequisite for achieving career satisfaction and expressed the desire to take control of their own careers and contribution to innovation.