Generational differences
The following is a list of resources on generational differences. These
resources can either be borrowed from the EEO Library, or can be
downloaded directly. The link to the library catalogue record is included, or in
the case of electronic resources, the direct link is included.
BOOKS
Managing the Millennials: Discover the core competencies for managing today’s
workforce
The authors explain how businesses today can win and retain top talent from generation Y
workers. They look into the differences between the generations at work today and identify
nine crucial points of tension that result from “clashing value systems.” The authors also
include nine approaches to resolving these tensions as well as examples from managers and
executives in every area of business that will help you build a millennial friendly culture.
http://opac.eeo.katipo.co.nz/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?bib=8143
Recruiting and Retaining a Diverse Workforce: New rules for a new generation
This book looks at diversity initiatives from the perspective of Generations X and Y and is
written for diversity managers, mid-level and junior employees, and students. The author is
an experienced employment lawyer in the United States who also creates diversity training
materials for the workforce. She illustrates her main points with case studies and interesting
examples of real-life diversity issues that affect retention and recruiting.
http://opac.eeo.katipo.co.nz/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?bib=8065
Drive: The surprising truth about what motivates us
This book, from Daniel Pink, refutes commonly held beliefs about what motivates people.
Pink draws on four decades of research on human motivation to support his claim that
traditional carrot-and-stick motivation is no longer effective in today’s world. Instead he
outlines three elements of true motivation: autonomy, mastery and purpose. The book
includes a toolkit for putting the ideas in the book into action as well as case studies of
companies that are practicing successful and innovative motivation techniques.
http://opac.eeo.katipo.co.nz/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?bib=8113
What is new or different about Generation Y? What do they want and what do
organisations have to do to get them and keep them?
The focus of this paper is a review of the literature on Generation Y. The discussion briefly
considers key issues that are drawn from the literature and the purpose of the review is to
consider two key issues. One, whether Generation Y really is different and, if they have
different needs and expectations from previous generations. Two, what the implications for
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organisational practices might be as the younger generation become immersed in the
workplace.
http://opac.eeo.katipo.co.nz/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?bib=8031
Plugged In: The generation Y guide to thriving at work
This book is written for the Y generation as a handbook for how to fit their creative, nontraditional work styles into the traditional ways of working already entrenched in the
workplace. The author draws on her extensive research on different generations in the
workplace to illustrate the positive characteristics of gen Y often misinterpreted by older
workers.
http://opac.eeo.katipo.co.nz/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?bib=8053
The Trophy Kids Grow Up: How the millennial generation is shaking up the
workplace
This book examines the unique qualities of the youngest generation currently entering the
workforce and the challenges faced by their managers. Alsop has thoughtfully and
thoroughly researched the topic and offers suggestions for recruiting and retaining younger
workers. The author is a Wall Street Journal writer and editor and has written several books
on corporate reputation, the millennial generation and career development.
http://opac.eeo.katipo.co.nz/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?bib=7981
Managing Tomorrow’s People, Millennials at Work: Perspectives from a new
generation
In this report PricewaterhouseCoopers surveyed 4,271 graduates from 44 countries about
their expectations at work. Key findings include that “millennials expect to have global
mobility and opportunities to work overseas, they value corporate social responsibility and
would consider leaving an employer that does not value CSR.” Other areas this survey
looked into are sharing personal information, portfolio careers, employee loyalty, training
and development, and retirement.
http://opac.eeo.katipo.co.nz/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?bib=7831
Lexis Nexis Technology Gap Survey
This survey by WorldOne Research compared different generations of legal and white collar
professionals and their use of technology in the workplace. The survey, completed in August
2008 in the U.S., showed that all ages, Baby Boomers, Generation X and Generation Y, use
technology and believe technology makes people more productive in the workplace;
however, there are some significant differences in the ways younger workers used
technology as well as different ideas about what is an appropriate use of technology in the
workplace. These differences could create in-office tensions and reduce productivity.
http://opac.eeo.katipo.co.nz/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?bib=7886
Social Networking and Reputational Risk in the Workplace: Deloitte LLP 2009
Ethics & Workplace Survey Results
Last updated 15.07.2010
This 2009 Deloitte survey shows that 74% of employed Americans believe it is easy to
damage a brand’s reputation on sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. 60% of
business executives say they have the “right to know” how employees portray themselves
and their organizations online, while 53% of the employees contend that “social networking
pages are none of an employer’s business.”
http://opac.eeo.katipo.co.nz/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?bib=7887
Y in the Workplace: Managing the “me first” generation
The authors of this book describe “how to bring out the best in this talented but distracted
generation” – Generation Y. The book describes Generation Y’s sometimes baffling
personality traits, their liberal use of social networking technologies at work and their overly
casual and informal attitudes, communication styles and work ethic. It goes on to suggest
solutions and strategies for dealing with these intergenerational challenges at work.
http://opac.eeo.katipo.co.nz/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?bib=7900
Keeping the Millennials: Why companies are losing billions in turnover to this
generation and what to do about it
This book addresses the demographic shift that is happening in the workforce today as Baby
Boomers retire and young workers, also known as Generation Y and Millennials, enter the
workforce. These U.S. authors assert that most companies are able to effectively recruit
younger workers but end up quickly alienating and losing them. The book explains how to
achieve Intergenerational harmony and the resulting benefits of increased productivity,
retention and engagement in the workplace.
http://opac.eeo.katipo.co.nz/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?bib=7899
Generational Differences
This from the US Society for Human Resource Management reports on generational
differences in the workplace. It explores the advantages and disadvantages of an
intergenerational workforce; intergenerational conflict; managing an intergenerational
workforce and discusses some of the traits associated with each generation. The report also
looks at the solutions HR managers use to address these issues.
http://opac.eeo.katipo.co.nz/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?bib=7454
Retiring the Generation Gap
This publication from the US Centre for Creative Leadership outlines how both young and old
employees can find common ground in the workplace, and how to reduce the generation
gap. The book addresses a range of generational issues, outlining relevant research, and 10
principles which can help alleviate any problems that may arise.
http://opac.eeo.katipo.co.nz/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?bib=7358
The NeXt Revolution
This US publication highlights what Generation X women want out of work and how their
Baby Boomer bosses can help them to achieve it. The authors surveyed over 1200 Gen Xers
to develop a portrait of this group, noting what Gen Xers need and want from work, where
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Gen X and Baby Boomers assumptions clash in the workplace and the difference between
the career expectations of men and women.
http://opac.eeo.katipo.co.nz/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?bib=7145
The Big Picture: Life, work and relationships in the 21st century
In this Australian book on life, work and relationships in the 21st century, author Bernard
Salt addresses key social and demographic questions facing Australia. Of particular interest
is the section on generations and ageing, which focuses on the various generational groups
(gen x, gen y, gen random, baby boomers); and the section on work, or more specifically,
work and home.
http://opac.eeo.katipo.co.nz/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?bib=7030
Generation Y
This whitepaper from Drake International outlines the importance of attracting, engaging,
and leading generation Y workers. The whitepaper defines the generational groups in New
Zealand, and outlines common misconceptions about Gen Y workers. The publication focuses
on managing generation Y, particularly emphasising attracting, selecting, retaining Gen Y
workers, and developing a retention strategy. Some discussion on leading and managing
Gen Y is also included.
http://opac.eeo.katipo.co.nz/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?bib=7380
Managing Generation X
This book describes Gen X to employers, and demonstrates how to tap into this group. The
book is a result of over fifteen hundred interviews with Gen Xers, and outlines who Gen Xers
are, common misconceptions about them, how not to manage Gen X, career security,
corporate culture, talking to Gen X and bringing out the best in them.
http://opac.eeo.katipo.co.nz/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?bib=7184
Igniting Gen B & Gen V
This US publication outlines the new rules of engagement for baby boomers, veterans, and
other long serving staff members. Through a range of case studies (Google, Proctor &
Gamble, Walmart) this book outlines why it is necessary to ensure that all staff are engaged
and productive, particularly Baby boomers and veterans. The book is divided into two
sections, with the first part focusing on re-igniting engagement in long term employees, and
the barriers that can impede full engagement. Section two focuses on retention through
engagement, capturing knowledge and developing competencies.
http://opac.eeo.katipo.co.nz/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?bib=7535
Generation Y: Thriving and Surviving with Generation Y at Work
This Australian book by Peter Sheahan looks at issues surrounding managing Gen Y
employees. It looks at four key areas managers need to be aware of - Understanding Gen Y,
Attracting Gen Y, Managing Gen Y, and Retaining Genn Y. The book provides comprehensive
chapters that aid in developing strategies to retain Gen Y employees and provides a number
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of case studies on Australian organisations who are successfully recruiting and retaining the
talents of Gen Y employees.
http://opac.eeo.katipo.co.nz/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?bib=6885
ELECTRONIC RESOURCES
PricewaterhouseCoopers’ Managing Tomorrow’s People Series
Key findings from these reports include that “companies now face the additional challenge of
managing three or four different generations’ needs, expectations and skills” You can
download free copies of this four part series about the 2020 workforce here:
http://www.pwc.com/gx/en/managing-tomorrows-people/future-of-work/index.jhtml
Millennials: A portrait of generation next
The US based Pew Research Center is publishing a year-long series of reports on the
Millennial Generation. Copies of the reports as well as a summary of the results can be
downloaded here: http://pewresearch.org/millennials/
Age isn’t an issue – Employers Guide to your 21st century workforce
This UK report from “Age Positive” offers tips and guidance from organisations with age
positive training practices on how to train a mixed age workforce. It includes a literature
review which looks at the ageing workforce, the importance of staff training, barriers to
participation, myths about older workers, productivity, attitudes to training, and ROI. The
report also outlines trends in training, and provides case studies of organisations that have
successfully provided training to employees of mixed age.
http://www.dwp.gov.uk/age-positive/
The Generational Mirage? A pilot study into the perceptions of leadership by
Generation X and Y
This paper focuses on Gen X and Y employees in Australia and New Zealand, particularly on
their perceptions of leadership. It explores what leadership means to Gen X and Y
employees in the context of a current talent shortage. It discusses the nature of
generational differences and identifies the attitudes and values of each group.
http://au.hudson.com/documents/emp_au_whitepaper_generation_mirage.pdf
Times Are Changing: Gender and generation at work and at home
This is the Families and Work Institute’s 2008 National Study of the Changing Workforce.
The report is funded by the IBM Corporation and the data was collected by the Alfred P.
Sloan Foundation. Key findings include that, with younger generations, traditional roles and
attitudes like childcare, household duties, primary wage earners of men and women are
changing.
http://familiesandwork.org/site/research/reports/Times_Are_Changing.pdf
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Generation and gender in the workplace: older employees in the workforce
This US publication looks at issues related to older workers and their relationships with
younger workers.
http://www.abcdependentcare.com/docs/older-employees-in-the-workforce.pdf
Bridging the gap: Generational diversity at work
This short Australian report from McCrindle Research discusses generational diversity at
work. The report provides a table which outlines the beliefs and values, motivations,
decision-making, earning and spending, learning styles, marketing and communication,
training environment, and management and leadership of the differing generations.
http://www.mccrindle.com.au/wp_pdf/BridgingTheGap.pdf
The Gap in the Workplace: Generation Y
This report, from the UK's Employer's Forum on Age, discusses how employers can attract
and retain Gen Y workers. It explains how employers can develop new ways of working with
technology and developing reward packages that will appeal to Gen Y workers. The report is
based on the research performed by the recruitment consultancy FreshMinds Talent on
behalf of Management Today.
http://www.efa.org.uk/publications.php/504/the-gap-in-the-workplace-generation-y
Beyond the Baby Boomers
This report contains original research completed on the global funds management (FM)
industry by KPMG international. The research looks at the way in which the FM industry
engages what is known as Generation Y both as customers and employees.
http://www.bernardsalt.com.au/pdf/Beyond_the_Baby_Boomers.pdf
Young guns, mature minds - working nation, views from people at work
This is one of the 'working nation' series of research reports, conducted by Opinion Leader
Research on behalf of Vodafone UK. The report describes how companies can combine the
talents of both younger and older workers. It describes the perceptions that younger
workers have about themselves and compares these to those of older workers.
http://www.vodafone.com/etc/medialib/attachments/uk_media_downloads.Par.26454.File.d
at/UK_MC_young_guns.pdf
Last updated 15.07.2010