Question

Locate 2-3 articles related to Generational differences and how the differences create conflict, summarize and discuss.

Be sure to include reference citations for support

Answer 1

• This paper examines differences in work-family conflict and synergy among the four generational groups represented in the contemporary workforce: Generation Y Generation X, Baby Boomers, and Matures using data from the 2008 National Study of the Changing Workforce (n = 3,502). Significant generational differences were found for work-family conflict (work interfering with family and family interfering with work) but not for work-family synergy. Mental health and job pressure were the best predictors of work interfering with family conflict for each generational group. Work-family synergy presented a more complex picture. Work-family conflict and synergy were significantly related to job, marital, and life satisfaction. (Generational Differences in Work-Family Conflict and Synergy by Nicholas J. Beutell)
• Family dynamics and compositions have changed dramatically over the past 50 years. Gone are the days of traditional American family values and the home structure where mom stayed home and dad worked. Today, the institution (or lack thereof) of marriage has resulted in family compositions ranging from traditional two-parent homes to children being raised by grandparents and variations in between. Differences and disconnect between generations, or the generation gap, can result in a variety of issues, such as miscommunication and family strife.(Family Generational Issues by Michelle Blessing)
• Working age Americans in 2008 fell into four main generations, a generation being defined
  as an identifiable group that shares birth years, age, location, and significant life events at critical
  developmental stages, divided by five to seven years into: the first wave, core group, and last wave (Kupperschmidt, 2000). There are at least two views regarding generational differences in the workplace.
• The first presumes that shared events influence and define each generation (Zemke, Raines, &
  Filipczak, 2000) and that while individuals in different generations are diverse, they nevertheless share certain thoughts, values, and behaviors because of the shared events. Furthermore, these values, reactions, and behaviors presumably differ across generations. The alternative view postulates that although there might be variations throughout an employee’s life cycle or career stage, ultimately
  employees may be “generic” (Jurkiewicz & Brown,1998, p.29) in what they want from their jobs and trying to bifurcate employees by generations may be misguided (Jorgensen , 2003; Jurkiewicz & Brown,1998; Yang & Guy, 2006). (Generational differences in the workplace by Anick Tolbize)
• Generational diversity is a growing phenomenon in contemporary business environments. In fact, “the largest diversity of generations is represented in today's workplace than at any other time in history”.In some workplacesas many as four generations are represented, bringing people with distinct life experiences, values and skill sets working side by side. Companies must be prepared to manage conflicts arising from these differences, to capitalize on potential benefits of the conflicts and to reduce negative consequences. (Generational Diversity & Workplace Conflict by Chris Wolski)