The Presentation of Self: Dramaturgical Theory and Generations in Organizations

Abstract

While interest in intergenerational phenomena has been growing in organizations, academic research in the field of organizational studies has questioned the existence of generational differences. However, despite this questioning, generational stereotypes are known and enacted in the workplace. Using a dramaturgical approach as suggested by Goffman (1959), the purpose of this theory article is to advocate a simple model of generational stereotype reinforcement in organizations in which individuals enact (or do not enact) prototypical generational traits and behaviors when doing so allows them to appear in a positive light to a particular generational group.

KEYWORDS:

• generational differences
• stereotypes
• dramaturgical approach

Notes

1. The year noted for Mannheim’s work in this article is 1970 as the author is referencing this particular reprinted edition of Mannheim’s essay. However, the year 1970 is somewhat misleading as Karl Mannheim passed away in 1947. The essay referred to herein was actually written in 1923 and published posthumously. Many citations of this work suggest that 1951 is the first time this essay was published (in Essays on the Sociology of Knowledge, Paul Kecskemeti (ed.), Oxford Press, 1951).