Individuals who design products or services within a firm are categorized as what level in the business hierarchy?

Individuals who design products or services within a firm are categorized as knowledge workers. This is because knowledge workers primarily focus on the creation, analysis, and management of information and are typically involved in tasks that require specialized education or training. These individuals utilize their expertise to generate ideas, develop strategies, and innovate within their respective fields, playing a crucial role in the growth and development of a business.

Knowledge workers include roles such as product designers, researchers, and engineers, among others. Their main contribution lies in applying their intellectual skills to solve complex problems, thus enhancing product and service offerings. This distinguishes them from production workers, who are more engaged in the execution of tasks rather than the design and strategic planning aspects. Additionally, while data workers handle data processing and management, they are not primarily focused on the design of products or services but rather on the input and manipulation of data.