Generational Responses to Knowledge Management and Collaboration: Are GenX and GenY as Different As We Think?

Researchers and practitioners seem to take for granted that younger generations will be more responsive to new technologies, yet evidence to support this view is mainly anecdotal. This paper uses data from a large scale survey (n=502) given to managers at a large manufacturing firm to examine attitudes about knowledge management and collaboration. While generational cohorts do account for some differences, this study finds that well-documented inhibitors, such as lack of management support, play a more significant role in the firm's success to date in implementing KM. Relying on the intrinsic affinity for technology of GenX and GenY may prove to be a short-sighted strategy, especially in the face of impending retirements.