Towards a taxonomy of intergenerational knowledge transfer practices: Insights from an international comparison (Germany – Quebec)

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to develop a better understanding of intergenerational knowledge transfer (IKT) practices by adopting a context-related and comparative perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative case study design involving 83 interviews and non-participative observation in German and Quebec organizations has been chosen.

Findings

Two distinctive archetypes of IKT emerge from both national contexts: “we-individualizing” (Germany) and “I-connecting” (Quebec), leading to an eightfold taxonomy of IKT practices.

Research limitations/implications

This research is limited to young and senior workers and to high-tech sectors.

Originality/value

Comparative and inductive study of IKT, adaptation of IKT practices to national contexts, retaining younger workers. This inductive and comparative study allows a better adaptation of IKT practices to national contexts and therefore a better retention of younger workers.

Citation

Kuyken, K., Ebrahimi, M. and Saives, A.-L. (2018), "Towards a taxonomy of intergenerational knowledge transfer practices: Insights from an international comparison (Germany – Quebec)", The Learning Organization, Vol. 25 No. 2, pp. 81-91. https://doi.org/10.1108/TLO-02-2017-0023