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How Does Knowledge Sharing Across Generations Impact Innovation?

Author

Listed:
  • PAUL J. WOODFIELD

    (Auckland University of Technology, Private Bag 92006, Auckland 1142, New Zealand)

  • KENNETH HUSTED

    (The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand)

Abstract

We explore how knowledge sharing impacts innovation across generations of a family firm. We argue that each generation contributes to the knowledge pool differently, and there can be different levels of hostility towards sharing knowledge that can impact a family firm’s ability to innovate. We present two models distinguishing the source of knowledge from the receiver of knowledge for each generation. When the senior generation is the source of knowledge, business tends to be as per usual. Conversely, when the source of knowledge is the next generation, this can lead to new approaches to doing business being introduced, with potential for innovation activities and outcomes. We suggest that to minimise hoarding and rejection of knowledge, strategies need to be in place to avoid redundancy in the knowledge production and problem-solving processes.

Suggested Citation

  • Paul J. Woodfield & Kenneth Husted, 2019. "How Does Knowledge Sharing Across Generations Impact Innovation?," International Journal of Innovation Management (ijim), World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd., vol. 23(08), pages 1-17, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:wsi:ijimxx:v:23:y:2019:i:08:n:s1363919619400048
    DOI: 10.1142/S1363919619400048
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Jordi Moreno-Gené & José Luis Gallizo, 2021. "Intergenerational Differences in Family Business Management and Their Influence on Business Profitability," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(12), pages 1-17, June.
    2. Gonçalves, Tiago & Curado, Carla & Oliveira, Mírian, 2023. "Clarifying knowledge withholding: A systematic literature review and future research agenda," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 157(C).
    3. Pavlov Daniel & Voinohovska Valentina & Todorova Ana, 2024. "Digital Competencies of Students Towards the Development of Intergenerational Family Business," Proceedings of the International Conference on Business Excellence, Sciendo, vol. 18(1), pages 154-164.

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