Towards A Taxonomy Of Intergenerational Knowledge Transfer Practices Insights From An International Comparison (Germany - Quebec)

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.