Knowledge communities: towards a re‐thinking of intergenerational knowledge transfer

Abstract

Purpose -Knowledge management (KM) has become a key concern for companies which nowadays are constantly looking for better ways to assure knowledge sharing between their employees. However, companies encounter several challenges arising from the fact that several generations share the same workplace and a big portion of today's employees are close to retirement. This article aims to focus on knowledge sharing between generations. Design/methodology/approach -The article reviews the "generation" concept and its limitations, and introduces a new view on generations as "communities of knowledge". Findings -Companies have to find ways not only to assure knowledge transfer between generations, but also knowledge retention of the workers that are retiring. This requires a deeper understanding of the generations and their differentiated knowledge. Yet, today's dominant descriptions of generations ("baby-boomers", "generation X", "generation Y"), do not appear to adequately take into account cultural, socio-professional and individual factors. Originality/value -The proposed change of paradigm allows a deeper comprehension of nuances that may exist within the same age group. In doing so, the article makes a contribution to the understanding of knowledge sharing in organizations.

Intergenerational knowledge sharing in business settings: a comparative case study between Germany and South Korea

“…This hierarchical system is based on chronological and professional age, status and position in the institute and shows the impact of hierarchy on work life. The study also revealed interesting insights into the characteristics of each generation, which support the theoretical framework of generations by Kuyken (2012) and Park and Park (2018). Younger employees with less status and experience are excluded from decision-making processes in departments, with the following explanation: Because older researchers have the more experience.…”

“… Compose this knowledge and compare the results with the two German case studies to understand the impact of culture on intergenerational knowledge sharing in different companies. Kuyken (2012) portraits the generation model of baby boomers, generation X, and generation Y in the context of knowledge sharing in an organization (Zemke et al, 2000;DeLong, 2004). For the new case study, it is important to adapt the generation model to South-Korean culture.…”

Intergenerational Community-Based Research and Creative Practice: Promoting Environmental Sustainability in Jinja, Uganda

“…Drawing on Kuyken's (2012) proposal that generations could be viewed as "communities of knowledge," and in response to significant local biomass concerns, we endeavored to develop a model for intergenerational practice to facilitate environmental learning and knowledge sharing between older and younger generations in Jinja, given the often substantially different kinds of environmental knowledge and experiences possessed by these generations.…”

Generation “X” and “Y” knowledge sharing behaviour

“…In this research, the generation that the employees belong to will be compared to ascertain whether there are differences in their knowledge sharing behaviour. The word “generation” is referred to a group of people who were born between two specific dates and who possess a common identity, such as demographic characteristics (Kuyken, 2012). The exploration of the role of generation is necessary in order to understand the factors that motivate knowledge sharing behaviour in an organization (Samadi et al , 2015; Nonaka and Takeuchi, 1995; Kuyken, 2012).…”

“…The word “generation” is referred to a group of people who were born between two specific dates and who possess a common identity, such as demographic characteristics (Kuyken, 2012). The exploration of the role of generation is necessary in order to understand the factors that motivate knowledge sharing behaviour in an organization (Samadi et al , 2015; Nonaka and Takeuchi, 1995; Kuyken, 2012). Researchers divide the generation into three categories: “baby-boomers”, “generation X” and “generation Y” (DeLong, 2004; Zemke et al , 2000).…”