Senior employees and knowledge transfer in energy companies

Abstract

The aim of the article is to present an investigation into how Icelandic energy companies bring about the transfer of knowledge from older employees to young recruits before the former retire from work. The subject has not been studied in Iceland so the aim of this research is to improve the academic discussion on the matter, increase the companies’ awareness of the importance of knowledge transfer and for managers to be able to use the findings to work more effective on the issue. The research is based on semi-structured interviews with 18 engineers, technical specialists and members of managerial staff. The main conclusions are that Icelandic energy companies have not formulated a targeted strategy on the transfer and preservation of knowledge, although some of them have launched preparations in this regard. The respondents agreed that the best method of knowledge transfer comprises cooperative projects involving both younger and older workers. A prerequisite for success here is the willingness of individuals to mediate knowledge, trust between participants and a positive contact and connection between older and younger workers involved in close cooperation. Managers must also actively encourage the mediation of knowledge. The main barriers to the mediation of knowledge were lack of time, workload and inadequate work planning. There was a limited difference between older and younger employees regarding matters that relate to the transfer of knowledge.