Are generational differences in work values fact or fiction? Multi-country evidence and implications

Abstract

Few would disagree that human resource initiatives aimed at enhancing employees' quality of life have universal appeal, but the definition of ‘quality of life’ varies by generation. Workplaces are becoming increasingly age diverse and the likelihood that an older employee will report to a younger manager is increasing. Burke's study for the Society for Human Resource Management found that in organizations with 500 or more employees, 58% of human resource management (HRM) professionals reported conflict between younger and older workers, largely due to their different perceptions of work ethics and work–life balance requirements. While cultural and gender diversity have received significant attention in the literature, little attention has been paid to the impact of age diversity on HRM practices. This study attempts to bridge this gap by examining the work values of four generational cohorts – Traditionalists, Baby Boomers, Generation X, and Generation Y – across five countries. Generational differences were found when the effects of culture and life stage were controlled for. Significant differences were observed with Generation Y in particular, presenting creative challenges in accommodating the needs of this cohort while still watching the bottom line. This study establishes the legitimacy of intergenerational differences as an important social categorization variable.

Keywords:

• age
• Baby Boomer
• generations
• Generation X
• Generation Y
• older workers

Acknowledgements

The author wishes to thank Peter Heslin, who provided helpful comments on an earlier version of this article and Karen Wey Smola for generously sharing data and results.

Notes

1. There are some variations in the way the literature names generational groups and classifies start and end dates. The labels and dates most commonly reported in the academic literature include: Traditionalists (those born between 1925 and 1945); Baby Boomers (those born between 1946 and 1964); Generation X (those born between 1965 and 1980); and Generation Y (those born between 1981 and 1995).

2. The results are just outside the parameters for significance.