Generation gap in the workplace between Baby Boomers and Generation X

Abstract

Generation gaps in perspectives, attitudes, and behaviors are nothing new, but they can be difficult to reconcile in the workplace. Lack of attention to generational differences will make any company less efficient; the critical management skills will involve understanding generational differences in order to strengthen work relationships between and among employees especially between Baby Boomers and Generation X. To get this picture it is important to determine how to maximize the performance of younger and older employees to understand the unique backgrounds from which they came. Human Resource managers are one of the personnel involved with these two generations. Knowing how the human resource manager deals with the Generation Gap can provide guidance in resolving this issue for business in Thailand. The particular objectives of the study were: 1. To identify the demographic characteristics of Baby Boomers who are involved with this issue; 2. To identify the demographic characteristics of Generation X who are involved with this issue; 3. To identify the different motivations between the Baby Boomers and Generation X; 4. To identify the generation gap between the Baby Boomers and Generation X; 5. To determine a diminishing of the gap between Baby Boomers and Generation X; 6. To determine an effective strategy to decrease the gap between Baby Boomers and Generation X. The methodology used in this study is a survey questionnaire. The questionnaires were mailed to one hundred Human Resource Managers in selected groups of Wisconsin companies. Mailing the questionnaire to Human Resource Managers collected data to address the objectives of the study. The total number of respondents was 57. The findings from this study resulted in: - Improved understanding in characteristics of Baby Boomers and Generation X - Understanding the different motivation between Baby Boomers and Generation X - Understanding the generation gap between Baby Boomers and Generation X - Knowing the ways of intervention in dealing with the gap between Baby Boomers and Generation X