Intergenerational Knowledge Transfer in Family Firms during Times of Digital Innovation

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 (1) ◽  
pp. 13198
Author(s):  
Emanuela Rondi ◽  
Ruth Überbacher ◽  
Leopold Von Schlenk Barnsdorf ◽  
Marcel Hülsbeck
2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 81-91
Author(s):  
Kerstin Kuyken ◽  
Mehran Ebrahimi ◽  
Anne-Laure Saives

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.


2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 135-142 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nataša Rupčić

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to highlight challenges and opportunities that surround the process of intergenerational learning and knowledge transfer. Several options in this regard have been discussed from the managerial and employee perspective. Design/methodology/approach The systems approach has been implemented to identify options of intergenerational learning and knowledge transfer that could be valuable when developing a strong individual and organizational body of knowledge with the purpose to avoid the “knowledge crash.” Findings A review and analysis regarding intergenerational diversity, especially in the light of information and communication technology and social media, has been proposed along with the discussion on possible intergenerational knowledge transfer practices and methods of developing learning agility in all generations though engaging in internal mobility and building communities of practice and learning. Research limitations/implications Conclusions and remarks provided in the paper need further empirical testing and validation. Practical implications Implications for practitioners, especially mangers, have been identified regarding recommendations for implementing intergenerational knowledge transfer solutions which could benefit all stakeholders – not only younger and senior employees but also managers responsible for pursuing enterprise development based on continuous learning and knowledge sharing. Social implications Implementation of suggestions provided in the paper regarding intergenerational knowledge transfer and learning could result in significant benefits in terms of less intergenerational conflict and stress and greater organizational working cohesion as well as further advancements in organizational learning and knowledge management. Originality/value Challenges that surround the process of intergenerational learning and knowledge transfer have been identified along with options to manage this complicated and often delicate processes from the managerial and employee perspective.


Author(s):  
Concetta Lucia Cristofaro ◽  
Anna Maria Melina ◽  
Rocco Reina

Knowledge transfer is essential to managing a family firm's succession. Given the importance of knowledge in family firms, this chapter identifies, through an empirical approach, which are the main organizational strategies used for sharing, disseminating, and using the knowledge available as fundamental elements for survival and the development of companies in the phase of generational succession. The authors investigate the phenomenon and verify the evidence in some private health organizations interested in the generational change located in South Italy, given the lack of previous case studies. This chapter deepens the phenomenon and its recognizability by examining with a qualitative analysis of the problems existing in those who are currently living or have experienced this particular moment of business life.


2015 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-37 ◽  
Author(s):  
Britta Boyd ◽  
Susanne Royer ◽  
Rong Pei ◽  
Xiaolei Zhang

Purpose – Knowledge often is the fundament for strategic competitive advantage. Thus, it is highly relevant to understand better how knowledge is transferred from one generation to the next in family businesses. The purpose of this paper is to link the competitive advantage realisation in family businesses to the success of transferring strategically valuable knowledge in different business environments to the next generation. Design/methodology/approach – Building on the contingency model of family business succession (Royer et al., 2008) knowledge transfer in family businesses from different cultures is investigated in this paper. From a resource-oriented and transaction cost inspired perspective two family businesses with a similar industry background from China and Europe are compared regarding knowledge transfer in the context of family firm succession taking into account the respective transaction atmosphere. Findings – Different successions for two long-lived family firms are illustrated in a systematic fashion: based on the theoretical elements suggested both cases are described to get insights into the usefulness of the theoretical reasoning developed. On the basis of these, the cases are compared with each other and conclusions for both cases are drawn. Implications for theory and practice as well as avenues for future research are sketched. Originality/value – The focus of the current study is to gain more insight into long-lived family businesses by comparing two cases over a period of more than 200 years with regard to strategically relevant resources as well as the underlying transaction atmospheres. Implications for family firms depending on the resource types and transaction atmosphere are discussed.


2010 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 418-436 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rosa Nelly Trevinyo‐Rodríguez ◽  
Nick Bontis

PurposeThe paper aims to develop a model of knowledge transfer that considers kinship ties and emotions in family‐based firms.Design/methodology/approachThere exist several models, which show how information flows among individuals and within organizations. One school of thought is known as Cultural‐Historical Activity Theory (CHAT), which was initially formulated by Lev Vygotsky, the Founder of the school. However, when analyzing CHAT within the family business context, the model no longer holds true. This paper examines knowledge‐transfer mechanisms through the lens of family firms.FindingsFamily traditions, ties, and emotions, which are not considered in the original learning framework, affect knowledge transfer, commitment, and the motivation of family members.Research limitations/implicationsBased on CHAT and subsequently on other social networks theories, a more appropriate next generation learning model is developed which explains how intergenerational knowledge transfer takes place within family firms.Practical implicationsThis paper improves the understanding of how family members' shared knowledge (i.e. traditions) may become sources of competitive advantages for the family firm (i.e. long‐term survival).Originality/valueThis paper is among the first known to examine knowledge‐transfer mechanisms specifically for family‐based businesses.


2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 534 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ascensión Barroso Martínez ◽  
Ramón Sanguino Galván ◽  
Tomás M. Bañegil Palacios

Author(s):  
Stefano Amato ◽  
Alessia Patuelli ◽  
Nicola Lattanzi

Author(s):  
Jane A. Hutt

Online social networking communities can help strengthen professional ties among members of almost any profession. How useful they are to the engineering professions in contributing to the process of intergenerational knowledge transfer depends on the site. Prior to the popularity of online communications and networking tools such as Facebook, Twitter and Linked In, Power Industry engineers have utilized with varying success a number of knowledge transfer facilitation tools, both within their companies and outside them. This paper will discuss the pros and cons of both traditional and emerging methods and present specific examples that address technical issues, learning styles, differences in generational approaches to learning and communication. Issues relating to global needs in the engineering profession, organizational flexibility, the ability of people and organizations to adapt and change, and educational and workforce challenges will also be discussed. Short case studies illustrating various solutions for addressing some of these issues, including development of useful technical content and formation of communities of practice, will also be provided.


MODUS ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 125
Author(s):  
Gabriella Hanny Kusuma

This study aims to explore the intergenerational knowledge transfer mechanism in family frms. Using the case study method, this qualitative research examines 14 family frms. Data were obtained through semi-structured inter views with participants, and then analyzed by using content analysis. Visual mapping and temporal bracketing techniques were also used for data analysis. Data source triangulation and member checking methods were utilized to test the validity and reliability of the data. The fndings show that interpersonal relationship between the predecessor (parents) and the successor (children) is needed in the knowledge transfer process. The physical presence of the predecessor and the direct involvement of the successor in the business are two important elements in the knowledge transfer process, wherein the successor obtains information from inside and outside the frm. The intergenerational knowledge transfer process allows the successor to get real experiences and to run their own experiments. Learning-by-doing is a knowledge transfer method that is commonly used in family firms.Keywords: family business company, predecessor, successor, transfer knowledge.


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