Beyond Anecdotes: Part 3: Produser

 Photo Credit: https://thesocialcogs.wordpress.com

How does ADKAR, CER, NKA and PLC's all fit together?  In previous blogs we discussed these four topics in separation from each other. However, when thoughtfully and deliberately intertwined together, the organization can allow its employees to be "Produsers" of information which in turn will empower your organization to adapt to an ever changing business climate. 

What is a "Produser"?

Dr. Axel Bruns in his 2011 article (click here for article) identifies a growing trend of individuals who not only are using social media for entertainment proposes but who are also collecting, curating and often times brokering information for others to participate in. According to the article, Dr Bruns describes todays social media users as,  "no longer sufficient to describe participants in these collaborative endeavors simply as ‘users’; instead, they act in a hybrid role of user as well as producer, or for short, as produsers"

Why would employees WANT to be produsers for work?

Very soon, all of the employees you hire are going to be of the generation who have been produsers on social media through most of their formative years.  While it may be a foreign idea to some, most of your employees are already well versed in the culture.  The best ROI for training, is the training you don't have to spend any money on.  

With the ADKAR "bottom-up" and NKA exercises, you employees are going to be empowered to tackle the issues that are occurring in your organization right now.  No more waiting around for the HPT team to do 6 months of data analysis and then the ID team spends another 6 months designing "top-down" interventions.  As the PLC team tackles organizational dilemmas in real time with authentic conversation and data based resources the team will experience intrinsic and extrinsic motivators such as: autonomy, purpose, recognition, belonging and collaboration. 

Why would an organization WANT its employees to be produsers? 

There are 3 key reasons why an organization would want for their employees to consume and produce information for the company:

• Future-Proofing- In an article in Medium.com (click here for article) is is recognized that, "Employers face significant disruption from market forces and technology (like AI). They know they must invest in upskilling and reskilling to remain competitive and avoid future talent shortages" 
• Increased Productivity &Innovation- EF Corporate Learning, in a 2025 study, released a paper (click here for article) indicating that, "Well-trained employees are more competent, productive, and adaptable. Companies with strong learning cultures see higher productivity and creativity, leading to innovation"
• Reduction of "Tribal Knowledge" risk: By democratizing expert thinking and making it visible and shareable, PLC's using NKA reduces the risk associated with critical knowledge residing in only a few heads.