worksknown

Worksknown is a term used in discussions of work-related knowledge to denote the set of tasks, skills, procedures, and contextual understanding that are recognized as essential for performing a given job. The concept emphasizes both explicit knowledge documented in manuals and tacit knowledge that workers gain through experience, aiming to capture what an organization expects a worker to know to perform competently.

Etymology and usage: The term combines “work” and “known” and is not widely standardized. It appears in a limited number of industry discussions and informal writings. In many corporate contexts, practitioners more commonly refer to bodies of knowledge, competency frameworks, or skill matrices. Worksknown is sometimes described as the organization’s informal or emergent knowledge about how work is actually done, rather than solely what is formally written.

Applications: In workforce planning and training design, identifying worksknown can help align job descriptions with actual practice, reveal gaps between prescribed procedures and on-the-ground work, and guide upskilling, mentoring, and knowledge transfer efforts. It can also inform AI data requirements by defining the knowledge workers are expected to apply in real tasks.

Limitations and reception: Because worksknown is not a widely standardized term, definitions vary and can overlap with tacit knowledge, know-how, and competence. Its practical value depends on clear articulation and consistent use within an organization to avoid ambiguity.

See also: Body of knowledge, tacit knowledge, explicit knowledge, competency framework, knowledge management.