Generational Divide

Generation is A segment of a geographically linked

population that experienced similar social and cultural events at roughly the same time in their maturation.

Jason Dorsey, The Center for Generational Kinetics

Current Situation First time in history we have four

generations in the workforce. And some predict we will soon have 5.

Four generations Traditionalists

Born prior to 1946 (Age 66+) Baby Boomers

Born 1946-1964 (Age 47-65) Generation X

Born 1965-1981 (Age 35-46) Millennials – Gen Y

Born 1977-1995 (Age 16-35)

Traditionalists - influences Military Connection The Great Depression WW II Atomic bomb FDR Walt Disney Leave it to Beaver

Traditionalists - traits Patriotic Loyal Taught not to stand out Fiscally conservative Faith in institutions Factory mentality Used to delayed gratification

Event Planning for this Gen

Baby Boomers - influences Booming birthrate Economic prosperity Suburbia Women’s and civil rights movements Sex, drugs and rock-n-roll Most influential in work place

Baby Boomers - traits Competitive Questioners of authority Eager to put own stamp on institution Sandwiched Optimistic Doesn’t count if they can’t see you Strong work ethic “no shortcuts”

“do your time”

Event Planning for this Gen

Generation Xers - influences Sesame Street and MTV Computers: we saw them coming Divorce AIDS Crack cocaine Latch key kids First Gulf War

Geneation Xers - traits Resourceful and self-reliant Skeptical of institutions

(every major one “fell”) Actions speak louder than words Competitive Wants options and training Independent but loyal to individuals not

organizations

Event Planning for this Gen

Millennials - influences Terrorism (9/11/01) and violence on TV (Gulf

War) Technology and media: don’t know how it

works, just expect it to work Challenger Explosion – watched live Mixed economy 39% define selves as being non-white, diversity

is norm Oprah, Ellen and Reality TV

Millennials - traits Entering workforce later: more grads than ever Adult-o-lesence Globally concerned Want challenge immediately/continually Environmentally conscious Collaborative, but make immediate engagement choices Completely outcome driven – not linear 77% delayed major life change or purchase due to

economy Rewarded by culture not $$

Millennials – challenges w/other generations Parents have actively included them in all

aspects of life Want to contribute from day one Want to heard and recognized What to connect and understand how

they are making a difference

Communicating with each Gen Traditionalist Baby boomers Gen X Gen Y

Event Planning for this Gen

Next time Ethics – One page write up of an ethical

situation you encountered and how you handled it. Email to me prior to class and be prepared to discuss in class.