Intergenerational Learning and Knowledge Transfer

This chapter entitled “Intergenerational learning and knowledge transfer” from the second part of the book Managing Learning Enterprises entitled “Challenges of implementing a learning enterprise” begins by identifying the problem of knowledge attrition or loss due to problems in knowledge transfer between different generational cohorts. After identifying the key generic characteristics of Generations X and Y, various practices are proposed to connect the generations and ensure that knowledge is effectively shared and transferred. Bateson’s learning theory was then used to describe the learning stages of new employees, focusing on stages two and three, where individuals learn to learn through critical thinking and learn about themselves through critical self-reflection. Organizational social capital, specifically internal social capital, was then discussed to promote the development of organizations as communities of learning and practice.