Generational Diversity in the Workplace - 1445 Words

Generational Diversity in the Workplace Managerial Communications 10/14/2011 Today, the workplace environment is comprised of people, both males and females from all different cultures and generations. For the first time in U.S. history there are four different generations out in the workforce. A generation can be defined as a group of individuals born within a term years having similar ideas, goals, attitudes and experiences. It can also be defined as the average period between the birth of parents and the birth of their children. Resources differ as to when some generations start and end; a generation is usually around 20 years long. generational differences are based on broad variations in values that develop based on the†¦show more content†¦They are cause-oriented, workaholics and believe in company loyalty. They care what others think of them but do not take criticism well and may be insulted by constant feedback. Boomers would rather perceive their boss as a friend. Generation X grew up in a period of financial, familial and societal insecurity. They witnessed their parents get laid off despite making sacrifices. They also witness a decline of American global power. Some defining moments and trends of this generation are the end of the Cold War, the Challenger disaster, Sesame Street, MTV, personal computers, AIDS and divorce. Generation Xers grew up with both parents working or divorced parents, becoming the first generation of â€Å"latch key kids†. As a result, they are highly independent, resilient and adaptable. This is the first generation expected to earn less than their parents. They are a skeptical and will question authority. Gen Xers are goal oriented, they want to be challenged, willing to take risks and forget the rules. They also aspire to balance work/personal life. The newest generation has many titles, but most popular is Generation Y or Millennials. Their defining moments are the tragedy of 9/11, the Columbine High School shooting and the bombing of the Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City. Resulting from all this violence is a resurgence of patriotism and heroism. Millennials have been shaped by parentalShow MoreRelatedGenerational Diversity At The Workplace Essay1887 Words   |  8 PagesGenerational Diversity at the Workplace In her article â€Å"The Tethered Generation,† in Society of Human Resources Magazine, writer Kathryn Tyler asserts that people born between 1978 and 1999, also known as the Millennial Generation, would bring challenges to the workplace, attributing early access to technology and a â€Å"perpetual connection to parents† as causes. The article’s central tenet is that through technology, this generation’s â€Å"tethered† relationship with peers and parents has shaped communicationRead MoreGenerational Diversity At The Workplace Essay1886 Words   |  8 PagesGenerational Diversity at the Workplace In Kathryn Tyler’s article â€Å"The Tethered Generation,† in Society of Human Resources Magazine, she asserts that people born between 1978 and 1999, also known as the Millennial Generation, would bring challenges to the workplace, attributing early access to technology and a â€Å"perpetual connection to parents† as causes. The article’s central tenet is that through technology, this generation’s â€Å"tethered† relationship with peers and parents has shaped communicationRead MoreA Business Organization Good Management Skills982 Words   |  4 Pagesare expanding diversity in the workforce to provide excellent customer service to gain a better understanding of receiving the message stated. 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INTRODUCTIONRead MoreEmployee Engagement : A Leading And Primary Source And Tool Of Competitive Advantage And Business Success Essay1166 Words   |  5 Pagesand primary source and tool of competitive advantage and business success. Based on research conducted, engaged employees are recognised as being more productive than disengaged employees; thus leading to improved employee performance, increased workplace productivity and profitability, and ultimately, organisational success. The term employee engagement is primarily associated with the employee’s commitment to the objectives, goals and ultimate success of an organisation, exercised together withRead MoreOvercoming Obstacles in a Diverse Workplace1241 Words   |  5 PagesDiversity in the workplace is not a new idea or concept. From the late 1800’s to the early 1900’s the majority of people living in the United States were immigrants from other countries including Italy, Russia, and Ireland. 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