Dissent Between Generations

Dissent Between Generations: A Gen X Manager Point Of View

by

Chris Wright

LA 101: Seminar in Thinking and Writing

Dr. Elaine M. Kelly

April 27, 2013

Chris Wright

LA 101: Seminar in Thinking and Writing

Dr. Elaine M. Kelly

April 27, 2013

Dissent Between Generations: A Gen X Manager Point Of View

Today’s workforce consists of individuals from four generations each bringing different perspectives and values to the workplace. The purpose of this research paper was to examine the dissent between generations in corporate America being a counterproductive problem for companies, who in return have to re-evaluate how their leadership will affect workplace culture, which may help managers and/or corporations communicate effectively with each generational type. I will make use of the narrative research method for this essay. Following a review of the research on the subject of multi-generational work teams, I will tell the story of multi-generational differences from my point of view, as a Generation X manager in corporate America.

An area corporations and managers can better understand is the characteristics and stereotypes associated with each generation in their workforce. These stereotypes and characteristics associated with each generation tend to be at the forefront of a particular management. Each generation has their own set of social and workplace stereotypes and characteristics, which shape management ideologies. The research of Deyoe and Fox (2011) defines the generations as Veterans (born before 1945), Baby Boomers (born between 1945-1964), Generation X (GenX) (born between 1965-1979), and Generation Y (GenY) or Millenials (born between 1980-1999). Deyoe and Fox (2011) go on to describe stereotypes associated with each generation. (Deyoe & Fox, 2011)

Veterans – strong work ethic, loyalty, conservative views. Company first mentality. (Deyoe & Fox, 2011)

Baby Boomers – “workaholics,” very driven to...