Defining the characteristics of an expert in a social context through subjective evaluation

Abstract

Organizations are dealing with increasing demands for innovative and sustainable products and services at the same time as they have to maintain and improve quality and efficiency. This reality calls for a better understanding of the knowledge worker. This paper seeks to highlight some of the personality or personal characteristics of an expert or knowledge worker and to gain a deeper understanding of expert behavior in an organization or a project. The study is conducted as a survey directed to highly educated people engaged in product development on the global stage. This subjective self-assessment gives valuable results and brings about new knowledge in aligning characteristics of an expert to the traditional definition of craftsmen—emphasizing skills, commitment, and judgment. Such insight will have significant value for leaders when organizing and following up work done and driven by experts.