Strategies to enhance intergenerational learning and reducing knowledge loss: An empirical study of universities

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify and analyze the main strategies used in organizations to enhance intergenerational learning (IGL) and reduce knowledge loss. The emphasis is on universities that have an age layered or nested structure. Design/methodology/approach – The research is based on an integrated approach of literature search, content analysis, survey based on interviews and questionnaires and the analytic hierarchy process method. The research questions are as follows: What is the level of awareness in organizations about knowledge loss and the role of IGL in reducing its consequences? What kind of organizational structure is adequate for promoting IGL? What are the most suitable strategies for enhancing IGL and reducing knowledge loss? Findings – Universities have a nested generational structure, which makes them adequate for IGL. The most used strategies for enhancing IGL are mentoring, intergenerational research teams and intergenerational creativity workshops. Research limitations/implications – Empirical investigations covered only four universities. Research should be extended to a larger number of universities and also to companies. Practical implications – Findings are valuable for organizations having an aging workforce and which want to reduce knowledge loss through the IGL process. Originality/value – The study provides an insight look of how organizations experiencing a workforce aging phenomenon can enhance IGL to reduce knowledge loss. © 2015, Emerald Group Publishing Limited.