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Generations in the Workplace: Similarities and Differences. Jeffery G

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Generations in the Workplace: Similarities and Differences. Jeffery G East Tennessee State University Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University Electronic Theses and Dissertations Student Works 5-2011 Generations in the Workplace: Similarities and Differences. Jeffery G. Harber East Tennessee State University Follow this and additional works at: https://dc.etsu.edu/etd Part of the Education Commons, and the Work, Economy and Organizations Commons Recommended Citation Harber, Jeffery G., "Generations in the Workplace: Similarities and Differences." (2011). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 1255. https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/1255 This Dissertation - Open Access is brought to you for free and open access by the Student Works at Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University. It has been accepted for inclusion in Electronic Theses and Dissertations by an authorized administrator of Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Generations in the Workplace: Similarities and Differences _____________________________ A dissertation presented to the faculty of the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis East Tennessee State University In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Doctor of Education _____________________________ by Jeffery G. Harber May 2011 ____________________________ Dr. Catherine H. Glascock, chair Dr. Cecil Blankenship Dr. Donald Good Dr. Jasmine Renner Keywords: Traditionalists, Baby Boomers, Generation X, Generation Y, Generation Z, Xers, Millennials, Workplace ABSTRACT Generations in the Workplace: Similarities and Differences by Jeffery G. Harber Occurrences of four generations working side by side are not unusual. The four generations include Traditionalist, Baby Boomers, Generation X, and Generation Y. Members of each generation have views and opinions about their work ethic and their definition of loyalty to the organization. Hiring managers will need to know characteristics of each generation. This knowledge will enable the hiring managers to place the applicant in certain positions within their organizations. By matching applicants with the correct work positions, employees are able to use their skills and abilities to be productive and to establish measurable goals for themselves and their departments. Productive work enables the employees to work individually and as a team member. The research has shown that each generation has its own strengths and weakness. Members of the older generations show characteristics that accommodate customer service and loyalty to an organization. Members of the younger generations have the technical knowledge and the ability to train others in order to use this technology to the benefit of the organization. 2 DEDICATION This research is dedicated to my family who has supported me through the different phases of this research project. To my wife Jan, I am thankful for you being my wife and appreciate the support that you have shown over the long nights of studying. You have given me the encouragement to do my best and to look to the future. I look forward in using the knowledge that I have gained for the betterment of our family. I love you very much. To my son Adam, I am very proud of you and what you have accomplished throughout your scholastic career and in your working career. We have spent many years together in sports and I have enjoyed being part of your life. You are an inspiration for me to keep going and to never stop learning. To my daughter Lauren, you are a joy to me in your thoughtfulness and consideration. There isn‟t a time that has gone by that you have not sent a card or a phone call to remind your mother and me that we are in your thoughts. I am looking forward to your future and what you can accomplish. Thank you for your words that “you can do it”. I am very blessed with you and Adam as my children. I love you both. To my parents Gray and Joyce Harber, I cannot express what you mean to me. You have been a guiding light for me and have always been there. No problem was too great that we could not overcome. You prepared me for the future and have provided love and comfort to my family. I love you and I agree with the commandment, “Honor thy father and thy mother in that your days may be long”. 3 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I would like to express my appreciation to the committee members who have provided guidance during my exams and presentations. The committee members consist of Dr. Catherine Glascock, Dr. Cecil Blankenship, Dr. Donald Good, and Dr. Jasmine Renner. I would also like to thank Dr. Catherine Glascock for being the Chair of my research and for her support during the dissertation process, and I would also like to recognize the staff of the ELPA Department for their support. I would also like to thank other people for their support during the program and with writing my dissertation. Members from my cohort include, Mr. Jim Myers, Ms. Renia Clark, and Dr. Lisa Stewart. Also Ms. Marietta Walton, a personal friend, was instrumental in assisting me in writing Chapters 1 – 3. I would like to acknowledge the faith that I have in the grace and love that was provided to me by our Heavenly Father. Through His grace, I received the drive and the patience that was needed while pursuing this degree. I thank Him for all that He did for me and in providing assistance by other individuals to guide me toward the final project. 4 CONTENTS Page ABSTRACT ..................................................................................................................... 2 DEDICATION .................................................................................................................. 3 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS .................................................................................................. 4 CONTENTS .................................................................................................................... 5 LIST OF TABLES ............................................................................................................ 9 Chapter 1. INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................. 10 Statement of the Problem ................................................................................ 13 Research Questions ........................................................................................ 13 Significance of the Study ................................................................................. 14 Delimitations and Limitations of the Study ....................................................... 17 Definitions of Terms ........................................................................................ 18 Overview of the Study ..................................................................................... 20 2. REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE .......................................................................... 21 Skills and Abilities that Employers are Seeking ............................................... 21 Interviewing ..................................................................................................... 22 Questions ........................................................................................................ 25 Generation Profiles .......................................................................................... 30 Traditionalists ............................................................................................... 30 Baby Boomers .............................................................................................. 31 5 Generation X (Xers) ..................................................................................... 33 Generation Y (Millennials) ............................................................................ 36 Generation Z (Silent) .................................................................................... 38 Cultural Changes ............................................................................................. 39 Changes ....................................................................................................... 40 Turnover .......................................................................................................... 42 Ageless Thinking .......................................................................................... 43 Recruiting ........................................................................................................ 44 Diversity........................................................................................................ 45 Career Goals ................................................................................................... 47 Paths ............................................................................................................ 48 Employers Evaluations of the Generations ..................................................... 49 Working Together ............................................................................................ 52 Qualities ....................................................................................................... 53 3. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY ............................................................................ 56 Introduction...................................................................................................... 56 Research Design ............................................................................................. 56 Research Questions .......................................................................................
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