Generations
@Work
Joe Cooney
HR/Learning & Ed.
cooney@upenn.edu
Key Questions:
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What are the generational divides?
What are the generational differences?
How were these differences shaped?
How do these differences create conflict?
Does it really matter?
What is a “Generation”
A group of individuals who roughly, were born within the same 20
year span and share a collection of similar cultural experiences. These
experiences:
• Are larger than single –family circumstances or personal backgrounds.
• Center on national, often global events.
• Are deeply influenced by baseline technology use.
• Color the feelings and values of an entire era.
“People resemble their times more than their parents.” An Arab Proverb
The Traditionalist Generation
Born 1925-1945
o AKA the GI generation or Silent Generation
The Early Baby-Boomers
Born 1946-1954
The Late Baby Boomers
1955-1963
Generation X
1964 - 1977
Millennial Generation
1977-1986
Let’s talk about it!
• Form into groups based on
your generational cohort
and discuss:
o What were the major events that
occurred in your formative years? (819years old)
o What were your favorite TV shows,
movies during those years?
o Who were the icon figures ?
o What about other generational
cohorts annoys you? What causes
problems.
• Choose a spokesperson to
summarize your discussion
for the full group.
Cohort Characteristics:
Veterans (1909-1945):
Outlook: practical.
Work ethic: dedicated.
View of authority: respectful.
Leadership by hierarchy.
Relationships: personal sacrifice.
Perspective: civic.
Baby Boomers (1946-1964):
Outlook: optimistic.
Work ethic: driven.
View of authority: love/hate.
Leadership by consensus.
Relationships: personal gratification.
Perspective: team.
Cohort Characteristics:
Generation X (1965-1985):
Outlook: skeptical.
Work ethic: balanced.
View of authority: unimpressed.
Leadership by competence.
Relationships: reluctant to commit.
Perspective: self.
Generation Y/Millennial (1986- ):
Outlook: hopeful.
Work ethic: ambitious.
View of authority: relaxed, polite.
Leadership by achievers.
Relationships: loyal.
Perspective: civic.
Raines, C. (2003). Connecting Generations. Menlo Park,
CA.: Crisp Publications.
• “While there are
differences in each
generation, essentially
everyone wants a job
with the same basic
characteristics – good
pay, interesting work, an
opportunity to learn,
develop and advance, a
supportive boss….”
Retiring the
Generation Gap
Jennifer Deal
Research Scientist
Center for Creative
Leadership
Presented at
SHRM Foundation
2008 Thought Leaders
Retreat.