Knowledge sharing attitudes and intentions of older workers nearing retirement.

摘要

As the majority of baby boomers become eligible to retire within the next several years, a considerable risk exists that organizations may suffer in production, performance, and efficiency due to knowledge loss. The research problem addressed the risk of a large number of key employees retiring within a short period of time without transferring their knowledge to remaining workers. The purpose of this study was to measure the attitude, subjective norm, and the intention to share knowledge of workers who plan to retire within 2 years. The theory of reasoned action served as the theoretical foundation for the study. The research questions focused on whether a relationship existed between the attitude, the subjective norm, and the intention to share knowledge among workers planning to retire within two years. Using the quantitative survey research method, an online survey was given to readers of an Eastern US newspaper who were willing to complete the survey. Using the partial least squares statistical method to analyze the relationships between the three constructs, only a relationship between attitude toward knowledge sharing and intent to share knowledge demonstrated a positive relationship. Additional findings indicated that workers had a poor attitude toward knowledge sharing and would not share their knowledge before they retire. Managers must focus on improving older workers' attitudes toward knowledge sharing. Remaining employees need access to the tacit knowledge retirees have so that losses in production, performance, and efficiency are avoided. Training programs emphasizing the importance of sharing tacit knowledge could be useful.