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Abstract
The purpose of this study is to discuss the generational gaps that are found in the workplace today. With multiple generations working together, and the oldest generation having to work longer and retire later, generational changes are occurring in the workplace and for management. There is a lack of communication and understanding between the different generations caused through differing values and goals. Younger generations are also entering different fields than those that were popular for older generations. There is a serious new problem in the workplace, and it has nothing to do with downsizing, global competition, pointy-haired bosses, stress or greed. Instead, it is the problem of distinct generations - the Veterans, the Baby Boomers, Gen X and Gen Y - working together and often colliding as their paths cross.
Individuals with different values, different ideas, different ways of getting things done and different ways of communicating in the workplace have always existed. So, why is this becoming a problem now? At work, generation differences can affect everything including recruiting, building teams, dealing with change, motivating, managing, and maintaining and increasing productivity All of these ideas are explored, discussed, and evaluated, through looking at current research on the topic and case studies that have been conducted not only in the United States but around the world.
Keywords: Generation gap, workplace, values.
Introduction
Throughout the years, as the population has continued to both grow and age, it has caused generational changes to take place in the various aspects of life. With the changes in the demographics of the world's population, there have also been changes in how each group thinks and what they value. This not only affects the way people behave in their personal lives, but it also affects the workplace. As generational changes occur in the workplace, a lack of communication has caused adisconnect to occur between the values and goals present among the different age groups along with newer generations choosing different career paths.
In order to understand where these differences stem from, you need to analyze how each generation is different when it comes to their beliefs and values. So, it is best to identify the different groups present in workplace which range from those born in 1922 to those...