The Four Generational Differences: Baby Boomers And Baby Boomers

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For the first time in the U.S. history, four distinct generations are working side-by-side. They are the Traditionalists, Baby boomers, Generation X and Generation Y/Millennial. The reason why a member belongs to a specific generation is not related to his birth date but to his experiences. Since then, the sharing of history helps to shape a 'generational personality' during their formative years. Those in between 2 generations are called Cuspers, and may have qualities of both of the generations. Moreover, these four generations have different values, states of mind and experiences, therefore in the work system it may lead to misunderstanding. The generational collisions increase turnover rates, reduce profitability, present hiring challenges …show more content…

Therefore, they were very competitive for jobs and opportunities due to their large number. Most of them grew up in suburbs, had educational opportunities above their parents, saw lots of consumer products hit the marketplace. In fact, the television had radically changed their views regarding equal opportunity and human rights. They are cautious and political. The American work place experienced a major “ClashPoints” (two generations bump headlong into each other) when the “chain of command” military style of management that had worked so well for the Traditionalists crashed into the Baby boomer’s desire to change things. They are optimist and …show more content…

Compared to their older colleagues, personal time is important for them, therefore they are less willing to sacrifice it for the company. Work to them is more an arrangement than a cause. The technological revolution increase their successes as they are techno savvy. They grew up with mono-parental family, violence in the news, AIDS, drugs and terrorism. The collision between the Traditionalists “chain of command” way of thinking and the Boomer’s “change of command” mentality weren’t enough, the Generation Xers are adding a third element to the Clashpoint: “Self-command”. They are skeptics. Gen Y/ Millennial Generation (1981-1999, about 76M) had access to cell phones, social network and computers most of their life. Most of them had traveled more than previous generations so they are open-minded. Futurists predict they will have several career and jobs during their life. At school they had a say in major decisions which impact how they will respond and adapt within a workplace system. In other terms they are multi-taskers and for them life is too short to focus only on working. They brought a fourth element to the ClashPoint: “Don’t command but collaborate”. They are

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