Impact of Multiple Generations in the Workplace

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SUBJECT: An analysis of two articles about the impact of multiple generations on the workplace

With every generation comes a lifestyle with unique ideas, values and language. Accounting Today recognizes the importance of generations and their effects on the business field in its articles “Bridging the Gaps” by Jennifer Wilson and “The Way We Learn Now,” by Jennifer Wilson and Krista Remer. This memo summarizes these articles, analyzes the formation of each generation, and identifies advantages of a multigenerational workplace.

Summaries of the Articles

“Bridging the Gaps” began by defining the three most dominant generations in the workforce: Baby Boomers (those born between 1946 and 1964), Generation X (those born between 1965 and 1981) and Generation Y (those born during or after 1982). Wilson stresses the importance of understanding each generation’s unique characteristics to take advantage of their strengths. This approach also minimizes confrontation when multiple generations work together. Wilson lists characteristics such as being entrepreneurial, ardent about social causes, and independent as similarities between Baby Boomers and Generation Y, while Baby Boomers and Generation X both value loyalty, focus on finances and believe in a hierarchy of order. Lastly, Generations X and Y are flexible and technologically savvy.

“The Way We Learn Now” provides readers with two responses to the following questions: “How do you think generational differences affect learning preferences and styles? How should organizations adapt to address these differences?” Both Marian Millikan (the Generation Y viewpoint) and Jonathan Kraftchick (the Generation X viewpoint) agree that due to the difference in technology available to eac...

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... high levels of creativity such as the invention of the Mac computer.

In addition, successful organizational changes are more effective when they engage all generations. While the Generation Z employees may be more comfortable using technology, Baby Boomers can use knowledge gained through years of experience to persuade those around them. Ultimately, all generations can learn from and teach one another valuable lessons while simultaneously expanding their own horizons. The companies that learn to employ this lesson the best will be the ones that benefit from it the most.

Next Steps

I encourage you to consider the conflicts that arise at the University of Florida due to generational variation. See if the authors’ points in “Bridging the Gaps” and “The Way We Learn Now” can help dissolve conflicts that arise due to the differences listed in both articles.

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