Perceptions on Conflicts Among Generations In Workplace: A Brief Analysis Of Baby Boomers And Subsequent Generations

Abstract

A generation is the entire group of individuals born and living at about the same time. Theirchildren characterize a new generation (justified biologically and socially for about a periodof 25 years) and so forth. Members of the same generation - excluding differences in theirsocial and economic status - would have similar habits, behaviors and aspirations.Generations would carry on themselves the traces of their time. However, because of theexponential advance in technology, especially communication, information andtransportation, it is estimated that new generations are formed every ten years, which creates aconsiderable difference on the perception of role, attitude and commitment in workenvironment, amongst leaders and followers. This difference is a potential source of conflicts.

This article aims to identify the different views of attributes, perceptions and values of eachgeneration. It is an exploratory research and it uses questionnaires applied via socialnetworking websites. The results show subtle differences amongst generations, which, notnecessarily indicate conflicts. It is observed that the commitment and fidelity to work areunaltered as a value for the professionals.