Examples Of Cross Generational Conflict

The New Working Generation

“Each generation goes further than the generation preceding it because it stands on the shoulders of that generation.” Ronald Reagan The Cross Generational Conflict is a social issue that personally affects me. As I started working in retail, I realized that contradicting points of view from different generations can cause conflicts in the workplace. When I started working, I had a group of co-workers always looking over my shoulder making sure I was doing what I was supposed to be doing. At first I did not think much of it, but after a month of them constantly interfering with my work, I could no longer acquiesce. I spoke up and talked to my manager and voiced my concerns. The Cross Generational conflict at work

The older generation feels responsible for making sure younger employees do what is expected. As explored in a research study conducted by the University of Florida, older generations seem to worry about younger individuals in the labor force, because younger generations seem to have different priorities and motivators. (Seung-Bum et al). It should not be a surprise most millennials in the workplace are focused on feeling successful and accomplished. The main motivator for some millennials can be money and having a reputation. On the other hand, other generations such as Gen xers seem to focus their success based on how satisfied they feel and having a passion for their careers. When older employees try to inspect the work of newer employees it can be discouraging because not all millennials are the same. Millennials can feel discouraged because it makes them feel like they are not

If workers are constantly interfering with each other, it will eventually create a tension filled environment. Three researchers conducted a study and hypothesized that “Generation cohorts reportedly, hold different perceptions of each other, which can result in conflict and misunderstanding…” (Meriac et al). The older generations needs to understand that they don’t need to worry about how millennials perform their tasks. In 2005, the Family and Work institute reported that “...workers overall are working longer hours than in the past and that there are no differences between the hours worked by Millennials and Gen Xers…” (Deal). Until there is a real issue to how young employees are performing, older employees should avoid creating conflict by constantly intervening and watching after workers considered Millennials or younger. Conflict in the work-place can be avoided when both generations remain focused on their