The acculturation of knowledge workers in Malaysian industries

Abstract

Human capital plays an important role in enhancing competitiveness of firms by adopting a culture that emphasizes the use and optimizing of knowledge, a work culture that adapts and masters new technology easily, encourages research works and innovation. In a competitive global economy, technology progress requires workers to give high priorities towards the acquisition of knowledge. The acculturation of knowledge workers would facilitate Malaysian industries to adopt, adapt and invent objects in order to meet the challenges of their natural and social environment. This paper examines the patterns of workers’ cultural attributes and its relationship with their acquisition of knowledge. It identifies the level of technological knowledge amongst the workers, factors that influence computer literacy and their capabilities in research and development (R&D) and innovation. It also highlights the challenges that hinder the acculturation of knowledge workers in Malaysian industries