What is the term used for employees who perform roles such as system analysts and programmers within an organization?

The term that best fits employees who perform roles such as system analysts and programmers is "knowledge workers." Knowledge workers are individuals whose primary job involves handling and utilizing information and knowledge. They create, analyze, and disseminate information that is crucial for decision-making and problem-solving within an organization.

System analysts and programmers are fundamentally engaged in tasks that require a high level of expertise and cognitive skills. They not only work with data and technology but also apply their knowledge to develop solutions that enhance business processes and information systems. This aligns well with the characteristics of knowledge workers, who leverage their expertise to contribute to the organization's intellectual capital.

In contrast, the other terms provided do not adequately capture the essence of the roles described. "Technical staff" generally encompasses a broader group that may include support roles or non-knowledge work, while "operational workers" typically focus on roles that manage routine tasks. "Support personnel" usually refer to those who assist other employees in their functional tasks but may not be directly involved in high-level decision-making or technical strategy. Therefore, "knowledge workers" precisely describes the specialized roles of system analysts and programmers.