Leading a Multigenerational Workforce in the Public Sector Cynthia A
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Walden University ScholarWorks Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection 2017 Leading a Multigenerational Workforce in the Public Sector Cynthia A. Thompson Walden University Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations Part of the Business Administration, Management, and Operations Commons, Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods Commons, and the Public Administration Commons This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection at ScholarWorks. It has been accepted for inclusion in Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Walden University College of Management and Technology This is to certify that the doctoral dissertation by Cynthia Thompson has been found to be complete and satisfactory in all respects, and that any and all revisions required by the review committee have been made. Review Committee Dr. Teresa Lao, Committee Chairperson, Management Faculty Dr. Anthony Lolas, Committee Member, Management Faculty Dr. Raghu Korrapati, University Reviewer, Management Faculty Chief Academic Officer Eric Riedel, Ph.D. Walden University 2017 Abstract Leading a Multigenerational Workforce in the Public Sector by Cynthia A. Thompson MBA, University of Phoenix, 2008 BS, Wingate University, 1998 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Management Walden University June, 2017 Abstract One of the demographic changes in the workplace is the presence of multiple generations working together. Some managers may find leading a multigenerational workforce a challenge, because the generational cohorts may have different work values and approaches to work. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore how generational characteristics manifest in the workplace, how managers perceive a multigenerational workforce, and whether macro-level descriptions of generations creates stereotypes or recognizable indicators of behavior in the workplace. Mannheim’s theory of generations and diversity management theory provided the conceptual framework for the study. Data were collected through interviews and a focus group discussion from 40 participants from the public sector. The participants consisted of members from the veterans, baby boomers, Gen Xers, and millennial cohorts. Summative content analysis was used to analyze data with the use of NVivo software, and member checking was used to enhance the trustworthiness of interpretations. The key themes from the analysis indicated that, among these 40 participants, intergenerational conflicts in the workplace were attributed to generational descriptors of work values, communication styles, productivity, work-life balance, leadership styles, organizational change, and the future of the public sector. The findings may enhance managers’ understanding of generational perceptions and may help managers take steps to reduce intergenerational conflict in the workplace. Leading a Multigenerational Workforce in the Public Sector by Cynthia A. Thompson MBA, University of Phoenix, 2008 BS, Wingate University, 1998 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Management Walden University May 2017 Dedication This completed work would not have been possible without the support of my family and close friends. They have all been supportive and provided much encouragement to me throughout this long endeavor. Acknowledgments The completion of this dissertation would not have been possible without the support and guidance of my dissertation committee chair and members. Thank you to Dr. Teresa Lao, dissertation chair, and Dr. Anthony Lolas for your patience, dedication, and support of my dissertation. In loving memory of my dear grandmother, Mrs. Rosie Lee Thompson, who instilled a spirit of learning in me at an early age. I would like to thank my family Mr. Doffer Thompson, Ms. Annie Reid, Mrs. Lena Thompson, Wanda Nolan, Kena Nolan, and Erica Nolan for their motivation and support throughout this journey. Thanks to my colleagues, and close friends Vivian Simmons and Johnella Walker, for their words of encouragement and support. Table of Contents List of Tables……………………………………………………………………………..v List of Figures…………………………………………………………………………....vi Chapter 1: Introduction to the Study ................................................................................... 1 Background ................................................................................................................... 3 Problem Statement ........................................................................................................ 5 Purpose of Study ........................................................................................................... 6 Nature of the Study ..................................................................................................... 11 Definitions of Terms………………………………………………………………....14 Assumptions ................................................................................................................ 16 Scope and Delimitations ............................................................................................. 17 Limitations…………………………………………………………………………...18 Signification of Study……………………………………………………………..…20 Summary……………………………………………………………………………..22 Chapter 2: Literature Review ............................................................................................ 23 Literature Search Strategy........................................................................................... 24 Conceptual Framework ............................................................................................... 25 Geneational Differences.............................................................................................. 26 Veterans Generation.............................................................................................. 27 Baby Boomers Generation .................................................................................... 28 Geneation X .......................................................................................................... 29 Millennials Generation.......................................................................................... 31 i Theory of Generational Differences ........................................................................... 34 Altruism ................................................................................................................ 36 Extrinsic and Intrinsic Rewards ............................................................................ 36 Diversity Management Theory ................................................................................... 39 Strategic Diversity Management ................................................................................. 42 Human Resources Role in Implementing Diversity Management ............................. 46 Strategy and Implementation ................................................................................ 47 Education and Training ......................................................................................... 47 Diversity Recruitment Processes .......................................................................... 50 Gap Identification ....................................................................................................... 53 Research Approaches to the Problem ......................................................................... 54 Chapter 3: Research Method ............................................................................................. 57 Research Design................................................................................................................ 59 Methodology ..................................................................................................................... 65 Population ............................................................................................................. 65 Setting and Sampling Strategy .............................................................................. 65 Instrumentation and Materials .............................................................................. 68 Data Collection…………………………………..………………………………74 Data Analysis…………………………………………………………………….75 Confirmability ....................................................................................................... 82 Ethical Procedures ................................................................................................ 83 ii Summary ..................................................................................................................... 85 Chapter 4: Presentation and Analysis of Findings ............................................................ 88 Setting .............................................................................................................................. 88 Sample Demographics ...................................................................................................... 89 Group 1 Composition and Characteristics ............................................................ 89 Group 2 Composition and Characteristics ............................................................ 90 Group 3 Composition