Science Research Management

Science Research Management ›› 2017, Vol. 38 ›› Issue (8): 134-142.

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A study of intergenerational knowledge transfer intention from the perspective of the generativity theory

Wang Changyu 1,2，Zuo Meiyun 3,4   

  1. 1. School of Business, Jiangnan University of China, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu, China;
    2. School of Business,Renmin University of China, Beijing 100872, China;
    3. School of Information, Renmin University of China, Beijing 100872, China;
    4. Research Institute of Smart Senior Care, Renmin University of China，Beijing 100872, China
  • Received:2015-03-31 Revised:2016-09-27 Online:2017-08-20 Published:2017-08-18

Abstract: Intergenerational knowledge transfer (IGKT) is an effective method to prevent corporate amnesia, and to achieve knowledge continuity. Senior employees’ intergenerational knowledge transfer intention (IGKTI) is the premise of the initiation of IGKT. Based on the generativity theory, this paper proposed that the basic psychological needs of human (such as need to be needed, symbolic immortality and meaning in life) are the important driving factors of the senior employees’ IGKT. PLS analysis of survey data showed that, need to be need affects IGKTI of senior employees directly; symbolic immortality hasn’t a direct effect on IGKTI of senior employees, but has an indirect effect on IGKTI of senior employees through the mediation of need to be needed; meaning in life affects IGKTI of senior employees directly and indirectly through the mediation of need to be needed. This study contributes to IGKT theory and practice.

Key words: intergenerational knowledge transfer, generativity theory, feeling of being needed, feeling of being marked, meaning in life