Anne-Laure Saives

Qualified ageing workers in the knowledge management process of high‐tech businesses

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to aim to characterise the knowledge management process of the ageing human capital, within the sectors of aeronautics and bio‐technologies in Canada.Design/methodology/approach – The methodology consists of: cross‐search of literature towards the elaboration of a theoretical map; and collection of data involving semi‐directed interviews followed by a thematic and statistical analysis of the textual data.Findings – Managements knowledge of social and relational knowledge, especially those of ageing workers, appears to be scarce, thus resulting in ageing workers being perceived as surpassed by technological and scientific progress. This conception deprives the company of an important source of knowledge capitalisation. A model relevant to the evaluation of company practices related to inter‐generational aspects of knowledge management should include six basic dimensions, namely: management philosophy (a managerial style favouring projections and proximities), strateg...

Urban Creative and Cultural Entrepreneurs: A Closer Look at Cultural Quarters and the Creative Clustering Process in Nantes (France)

This chapter deals with the genesis of an urban cultural and creative cluster (CCC) as a collective system of cultural and creative entrepreneurs and very small companies. Beginning with a longitudinal case study of the trajectory of a CCC, the purpose is to address the analysis framework of the clustering process and to identify the keys actors in the cluster life cycle. The methodology is based on a 6-year qualitative study of the French “Quartier de la creation” in Nantes. The findings confirm the prevailing view of the CCC as a dynamic organization. It shows distinct stages, with specific key actors and governance practices. It reveals difficulties in shaping the roles of the support organization, the interactions with the small firms, and the collective competencies to build amongst the cultural and creative entrepreneurs. The governance mechanisms and cluster practices of some localized groupings of cultural entrepreneurs and very small creative enterprises require balancing institutional and entrepreneurial approaches, which results in hybrid cluster practices based on ambidextrous management mechanisms.

Towards a taxonomy of intergenerational knowledge transfer practices: Insights from an international comparison (Germany – Quebec)

Purpose This paper aims to develop a better understanding of intergenerational knowledge transfer (IKT) practices by adopting a context-related and comparative perspective. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative case study design involving 83 interviews and non-participative observation in German and Quebec organizations has been chosen. Findings Two distinctive archetypes of IKT emerge from both national contexts: “we-individualizing” (Germany) and “I-connecting” (Quebec), leading to an eightfold taxonomy of IKT practices. Research limitations/implications This research is limited to young and senior workers and to high-tech sectors. Originality/value Comparative and inductive study of IKT, adaptation of IKT practices to national contexts, retaining younger workers. This inductive and comparative study allows a better adaptation of IKT practices to national contexts and therefore a better retention of younger workers.