UNDERSTANDING THE MULTIGENERATIONAL WORKFORCE: ARE THE GENERATIONS SIGNIFICANTLY DIFFERENT OR SIMILAR?

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Abstract

The paper assesses how the generations differ, if they in fact do, and the impact of their biographical profiles, in terms of six critical factors that define the organisational context. These organisational dimensions include extrinsic values/rewards, an interesting and motivating work environment, a flexible and efficient work environment, workplace fun, learning and diversity and, constant growth and advancement in the workplace. The population comprises of all staff in a local municipal department consisting of 300 employees from which a sample of 93 employees was drawn using cluster sampling. Data was collected using a self-developed questionnaire and analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The psychometric properties (validity and reliability) of the questionnaires were statistically determined using Factor Analysis and Cronbach’s Coefficient Alpha respectively. The results of the study reflect that generational differences exist in terms of an interesting and motivating work environment, a flexibile and efficient work environment and, opportunities for learning and diversity. Furthermore, between the generations, biographical impacts also exist relating to gender, position, tenure and education in terms of the organisational dimensions except for workplace fun where no significant biographical differences were noted amongst the generations, implying that all generations irrespective of biographical profiles crave for workplace fun. Hence, the generations are significantly different in some respects and similar in others. Based on the results of the study, recommendations are made to ensure that generational differences are effectively accommodated to ensure optimal cohesion amongst the various generations and the skillful integration of their strengths that will optimise the realisation of organisational goals.

Keywords: Millennials, Baby Boomers, Generation Xers, Generation Ys, Biographical Impacts, Workplace Fun

How to cite this paper: Nnambooze, B.E., Parumasur, S.B. (2016). Understanding the multigenerational workforce: are the generations significantly different or similar? Corporate Ownership & Control, 13(2-1), 224-237. https://doi.org/10.22495/cocv13i2c1p4