Competence Transfer from Old Timers to Newcomers in the Context of a Technology Company

This conceptual paper addresses the question of how the competencies of old timers are transferred to newcomers in the context of a technology company. First, an individual’s personal competence is analysed and further illustrated by focusing on how it alters in the course of his or her working life. Second, competence transferring process is analysed by the tool ‘Holistic Concept of Man’. Third, different factors that either facilitate or hinder competence transferring process from old timers to newcomers are identified and analysed. The paper ends with the conclusion according to which old timers’ and newcomers’ different worldviews is one of the main reasons for difficulties in the competence transferring process. Furthermore, it is also concluded that an even age distribution within the personnel of the company can improve this process.