Managing Knowledge Companies with OKRs – A Pakistani Perspective

OKRs

Knowledge companies are defined as having “knowledge” as their principal capital and so holds true for the knowledge worker. The concept has evolved over time, however it gained prominence after the term was first coined by Peter Drucker in 1957, where he suggests that “the most valuable asset of a 21st century institution, whether business or non-business, will be its knowledge workers and their productivity”. Tech icons like IBM provide the classic example of how this transformation has come about. In 1924, 96% of IBM’s profits were generated by leasing of manufacturing equipment, while punched cards were responsible for 4% of the profit. In 1970s, 80% of profit came from equipment division, 15% from software division and 5% from services. In 1990s services contributed to 30% of IBM’s profits, later in 2015 it was already 60% that the company had earned from rendering services and 28% from software. This manifests the overall change from hardware to services, which essentially signifies the paradigm shift.

The management challenge being faced by “Knowledge Companies” is managing their principal resource which is the knowledge worker. It is important to assert here that the knowledge worker is not a term bound to the tech industry only. It includes software engineers, physicians, pharmacists, architects, engineers, scientists, public accountants, lawyers, academics and just about anyone whose job is to “think for a living”.

Managing knowledge workers can be a difficult task. Most knowledge workers prefer some level of autonomy. It is estimated that they spend 40% of their time searching for information. Knowledge workers must employ a combination of convergent, divergent, and creative thinking as part of their work. The intriguing question is how you manage this diverse set of skill set which is essential to the success of a knowledge company of the 21st century. A resource which does not like being managed; does not like being told what to do and is sensitive to critique and to top it all has a high burn out.

How do companies like Intel, Google, Zynga, Twitter, Oracle etc. manage their wealth of knowledge workers? Intel invented Objectives & Key Results (OKRs) methodology of goal setting in 1970s and John Doerr is credited as the brain behind making it a success. Through Kleiner Perkins investment in Google, John offered to introduce the OKR system to Larry Page and Sergey Brin and the leadership team. OKRs have been a part of the Google ecosystem ever since. How is OKRs relevant in managing the modern knowledge enterprise? What does it entail? Why is it effective? The answer to these questions is the supreme simplicity of the concept of OKRs and its holistic approach.

The OKR methodology starts off by defining a company’s objectives. This may involve the very participation of key resources within the company. With the company objectives set, we now move on to the departmental objectives. The departmental objectives are set in sync with the overall company objectives. Setting up the departmental objectives is a participative process. This involves the knowledge workers and takes their critical input to make them substantive and terrestrial to the company. These objectives are best set in qualitative terms and may even be lofty and idealistic – but true to the company. Going forward each department sets up Key Results which define the mechanism to reach the set objectives. Unlike the objectives, these key results are quantifiable and must be met in a set time frame for the company to evaluate its progression in achieving the overall objectives.

This concept of setting up OKRs in a participative manner drives home the necessary impetus to keep the knowledge company and its critical resource – the knowledge worker, engaged and gives them a sense of ownership of how the company is progressing towards a future which everyone understands. Strategic planning is no more the lone privilege of those sitting high at the altar.

Another important aspect to managing through OKRs is that it provides an open and transparent picture to what the organization is doing and how each individual is contributing towards achieving those goals. Knowledge companies thrive on its one principal strategic advantage and that is its human resource. OKRs is one excellent way of maintaining that strategic advantage. It provides an engaging framework which is setup by the very knowledge worker and shows a pictorial view of how individual work is contributing to the overall success of the company.

The OKRs can be tracked through a number of software tools that are available in the market; each provides its own methodology. 7Geese, perdoo and weekdone are some of the popular tools available in the market that facilitate the implementation of the OKR approach.

From a Pakistani perspective, the application of the OKR methodology will be a game changer in how we manage our companies. We all agree that the contemporary bureaucratic style of management is kryptonite to the knowledge worker and it inevitably damages the very foundation of knowledge companies. We as a nation have been groomed in an environment where questioning and debate tantamount to disrespect. Is it part of our culture not to question and debate or is it merely our brain telling us not to get out of our comfort zone in the guise of “respect” or whatever else you might want to brand it.

Truth be told … it is knowledge that disrupts poverty and for a country like ours it is imperative that we evolve into a more progressive management machine. Knowledge is central to all businesses and progression demands that we share that knowledge. We as a nation are finally at a tipping point and it is time for us to take that leap beyond our inhibitions. Application of modern management practices is essential. We at Ignite (Formerly National ICT R&D Fund) have relayed our efforts to embrace these changes. We will not let any dogmas halt our march. It all starts by creating a culture of questioning, critical thinking, pattern matching and the ability to think out of the box. OKRs is one way we have manifested that change and we hope this will reflect in all our workings.

cascading goals

Tags:OKRs
Khurram Saleem

Khurram Saleem

Khurram is an OKR evangelist at National ICT R&D Fund. He has been associated with the Fund for the last many years and is currently working as Manager Operational Excellence. He is excited to talk about how the Fund is going about the implementation of OKRs and can always help others who may need guidance on the subject. He likes to be challenged and thrives on excitement!

61 Comments

  3. Hi! Quick question that’s completely off topic. Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly?

    My web site looks weird when viewing from my iphone4.
    I’m trying to find a template or plugin that might be able to resolve this issue.
    If you have any recommendations, please share.
    With thanks! https://ow.ly/qTqn309WHJh

    Reply

  4. I’m really impressed with your writing skills as well as with
    the layout on your blog. Is this a paid theme or did you modify it yourself?
    Anyway keep up the excellent quality writing, it
    is rare to see a nice blog like this one today. https://bit.ly/2lZh8pz

    Reply

  12. Nice post. I learn something more challenging on totally different blogs everyday. It should always be stimulating to learn content material from different writers and practice a little one thing from their store. I’d prefer to make use of some with the content on my weblog whether or not you don’t mind. Natually I’ll offer you a hyperlink on your internet blog. Thanks for sharing.

    https://www.powermedya.com/albums/santral-anons/

    Reply

  18. certainly like your website but you have to check the spelling on several of your posts. A number of them are rife with spelling problems and I find it very bothersome to tell the truth nevertheless I’ll definitely come back again.

    https://alat-pemadamapi.co.id

    Reply

  26. Hey there would you mind letting me know which hosting company you’re using? I’ve loaded your blog in 3 different browsers and I must say this blog loads a lot quicker then most. Can you recommend a good web hosting provider at a honest price? Thanks, I appreciate it!

    https://www.furnituremovinghelpers.com

    Reply

  29. I’m really impressed along with your writing talents and also with the layout in your blog. Is this a paid subject or did you modify it your self? Anyway stay up the nice high quality writing, it is rare to see a great blog like this one these days..

    https://rojadirectaes.org

    Reply

  33. I’m also commenting to make you understand of the excellent discovery my friend’s princess found using your site. She noticed a wide variety of details, which include what it’s like to possess a very effective coaching heart to make many people easily fully grasp certain advanced things. You truly did more than readers’ expectations. I appreciate you for displaying these practical, healthy, explanatory and cool guidance on your topic to Sandra.

    https://rileyg93.sosblogs.com/The-first-blog-b1/One-Point-On-Reputation-Management-Consultant-b1-p3.htm

    Reply

  35. I intended to write you that little remark just to say thanks as before for the precious techniques you’ve featured on this page. It is so unbelievably generous of you to make unhampered all that a number of us could have offered for an ebook in making some cash for themselves, certainly now that you could have done it in case you considered necessary. Those advice additionally acted to provide a easy way to fully grasp other people online have a similar dreams just as my own to find out great deal more in respect of this problem. I believe there are many more pleasurable moments in the future for individuals who start reading your blog post.

    https://sindd.bloog.pl/id,355437136,title,Approach-On-Chat-Rooms,index.html

    Reply

  37. Amazing! This blog looks exactly like my old one! It’s on a totally different subject but it has pretty much the same page layout and design. Outstanding choice of colors!

    https://oc2o.com

    Reply

  40. I discovered your blog site on google and check a few of your early posts. Continue to keep up the very good operate. I just additional up your RSS feed to my MSN News Reader. Seeking forward to reading more from you later on!…

    https://tabungpemadamapi.com

    Reply

  41. Thanks for sharing superb informations. Your web-site is so cool. I am impressed by the details that you’ve on this website. It reveals how nicely you understand this subject. Bookmarked this website page, will come back for more articles. You, my friend, ROCK! I found just the information I already searched all over the place and simply could not come across. What a great web-site.

    https://tabungpemadamapi.org

    Reply

  45. The core of your writing whilst appearing reasonable in the beginning, did not really settle perfectly with me personally after some time. Someplace throughout the sentences you were able to make me a believer unfortunately just for a short while. I nevertheless have got a problem with your jumps in assumptions and one would do nicely to fill in those gaps. In the event that you actually can accomplish that, I would certainly be amazed.

    https://www.freewebsite-service.com/aurica/Life2Bin2Btown.php?id=929629&snavn=Fundamental+Niche+23+Video+Surveillance+For+Home

    Reply

  49. Resellerhostinginpakistan.com provide Reseller Hosting for small businesses and individuals. Whether you need ResellerHosting in Pakistan or a complete solution with development, we have it. Cheap and Low cost Reseller Hosting in Pakistan, SEO services in Pakistan, VPS Hosting, Domain Reseller, Fully Managed and Unmanaged.
    Reseller Hosting In Pakistan

    Reply

  50. Thanks a lot for your opinion! There are extensions available which do the job, but thanks for your suggestion

    Reply

  53. so you are searching for online pakistani chat rooms and want to chat with your friends and family in a online pakistani cahat rooms with an interactive interface and easy navigational features? Do you like to communicate with the colleagues in office in a social yet interactive manner where you can chat along while interacting with them regarding office work? if this is the case liveChatZone online pakistani chat room is the online chat room you must give a try liveChatZone Online pakistani chat room!
    https://livechatzone.com

    Reply

  56. Looking for best Pakistani online chat room? Visit Angelz Chat Room
    for best friendly environment. Chat free in Angelz Chat Room i.e., no need to get register, no need to pay anything just enter your nick and start chating.

    Reply

  58. Managing knowledge companies with OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) in Pakistan requires a focus on clear, measurable goals to drive performance and innovation. Just as a Yellowstone ranch vest symbolizes practicality and durability for the rugged terrain, OKRs provide a structured, dependable framework for companies to navigate challenges and thrive in today’s competitive market.

    Reply

  59. Managing knowledge companies with OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) in Pakistan requires a focus on clear, measurable goals to drive performance and innovation. Just as a yellowstone ranch vest symbolizes practicality and durability for the rugged terrain, OKRs provide a structured, dependable framework for companies to navigate challenges and thrive in today’s competitive market.

    Reply

  60. Ignite.org.pk focuses on empowering youth through education and skill development similar to how a candace cameron bure size chart helps individuals find their perfect fit in fashion. Both emphasize the importance of self awareness and personal growth encouraging individuals to embrace their unique qualities while pursuing their goals and aspirations.

    Reply

Leave a Response