Title: The effect of cross-generational knowledge sharing and edge organisation capabilities on fostering innovations

Authors: M.R.M.C.J.K. Rathnayake; Ananda K.L. Jayawardana; A.W.M.M. Atapattu

Addresses: Postgraduate Institute of Management, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka; Department of Business Management, Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology, Kandy, Sri Lanka ' Australian Defence Force Academy, UNSW Canberra, Canberra, Australia; Postgraduate Institute of Management, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka ' Department of Human Resources Management, Faculty of Management and Finance, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka

Abstract: This study investigates the impact of cross-generational knowledge sharing (CGK) on innovative behaviour (IB) within edge organisations, mediated by edge organisation capabilities (EOC). Drawing on social cognitive theory, it explores how diverse generational insights foster continuous learning and adaptation, essential for innovation. A quantitative approach with a cross-sectional survey examined edge organisational capabilities in IT-based multinational corporations (MNCs) in Sri Lanka. Data were collected from 382 employees across multiple generational cohorts. Findings indicate a significant influence of CGK on edge organisational capabilities, highlighting agility, decentralised knowledge, and shared awareness as pivotal. Moreover, these capabilities significantly enhance IB, underscoring their role in translating generational knowledge into innovative outcomes. The originality lies in conceptualising and investigating specific EOC within knowledge-intensive, innovation-driven contexts. Although edge organisations are recognised for agility and decentralised structures, the specific capabilities connecting these traits to innovation through CGK have received limited scholarly attention.

Keywords: innovative behaviour; IB; cross-generational knowledge sharing; CGK; edge organisations; edge organisational capabilities.

DOI: 10.1504/IJKMS.2026.155244

International Journal of Knowledge Management Studies, 2026 Vol.17 No.3, pp.374 - 397

Received: 02 Jan 2025
Accepted: 13 Sep 2025
Published online: 29 Jul 2026 *

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