The Generation Myth: How to Improve Intergenerational Relationships in the Workplace PDF
Preview The Generation Myth: How to Improve Intergenerational Relationships in the Workplace
THE BUSINESS The Generation Myth U Human Resource Management and R EXPERT PRESS IC Organizational Behavior Collection How to Improve Intergenerational K DIGITAL LIBRARIES Relationships in the Workplace EBOOKS FOR BUSINESS STUDENTS Michael J. Urick Curriculum-oriented, born- Many assumed characteristics of generational groupings digital books for advanced are actually “myths,” meaning that generational stereo- business students, written types are not accurate across all members of a generation. The Generation by academic thought This book explores the Generation Myth by highlighting leaders who translate real- the complexity of the “generation” concept beyond simple world business experience age-based groupings and suggests that the overreliance Myth into course readings and of generational stereotypes in workplaces and society can reference materials for lead to less than optimal interactions and even confl ict. students expecting to tackle Several successful strategies are presented throughout to management and leadership help improve intergenerational relationships. How to Improve challenges during their professional careers. Dr. Michael J. Urick is director of the master of science in management: operational excellence program and an asso- Intergenerational POLICIES BUILT ciate professor at the Alex G. McKenna School of Business, BY LIBRARIANS Economics, and Government at St. Vincent College. Dr. Urick • Unlimited simultaneous is certifi ed as a six sigma green belt and SHRM-CP. He is the T Relationships in usage recipient of multiple teaching awards and was internation- H • Unrestricted downloading ally recognized by the Institute for Supply Management as E G and printing a “Person of the Year” in 2015. Urick is an associate editor EN the Workplace • Perpetual access for a of the Journal of Leadership and Management. His research E R one-time fee focuses on issues related to intergenerational phenomena A T • No platform or and leveraging popular culture to illustrate organizational IO maintenance fees behavior theories. In addition to writing dozens of publica- N • Free MARC records M tions, he also regularly presents at conferences including • No license to execute Y the Academy of Management and Society for Industrial and T H The Digital Libraries are a Organizational Psychology. Urick is a regular speaker on age- comprehensive, cost-eff ective related issues in the workplace and is an active consultant way to deliver practical on issues related to workplace interactions, organizational Michael J. Urick treatments of important culture, and ethics. In his blog, Urick blends his interests to business issues to every suggest practical and actionable items for readers to use. Urick is currently president of ISM-Pittsburgh, volunteers student and faculty member. on the board of several non-profi t organizations, and is a member of the Society for Human Resource Management in addition to other professional organizations. Prior to For further information, a academia, Urick worked in a variety of roles related to audit- ing, utilities, and training and development. For fun, Urick free trial, or to order, contact: enjoys music and leads and performs with Neon Swing [email protected] X-perience throughout portions of the US. www.businessexpertpress.com/librarians Human Resource Management and Organizational Behavior Collection ISBN: 978-1-94999-111-6 The Generation Myth The Generation Myth How to Improve Intergenerational Relationships in the Workplace Michael J. Urick The Generation Myth: How to Improve Intergenerational Relationships in the Workplace Copyright © Business Expert Press, LLC, 2019. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or any other except for brief quotations, not to exceed 400 words, without the prior permission of the publisher. First published in 2019 by Business Expert Press, LLC 222 East 46th Street, New York, NY 10017 www.businessexpertpress.com ISBN-13: 978-1-94999-111-6 (paperback) ISBN-13: 978-1-94999-112-3 (e-book) Business Expert Press Human Resource Management and Organizational Behavior Collection Collection ISSN: 1946-5637 (print) Collection ISSN: 1946-5645 (electronic) Cover and interior design by Exeter Premedia Services Private Ltd., Chennai, India First edition: 2019 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Printed in the United States of America. For Lucy. May you and your “generation” (however you define it) live in, experience, and help to create a better world for everyone—one without needless divisions and stereotypes Abstract Generational differences have become a popular topic in society and in the workplace. Yet, many of the often assumed characteristics of particular generational groupings are actually “myths,” meaning that generational stereotypes are not accurate across all members of a generation all of the time. This book explores the Generation Myth by highlighting the com- plexity of the “generation” concept beyond simple age-based groupings. Furthermore, a variety of different ways of defining generation (which could be nuanced for each individual) is presented. A major point of this book, however, is to suggest that the overreliance of age-based stereotypes in workplaces and society can lead to less than optimal interactions and even conflict. This book explores how such intergenerational challenges occur in workplaces and suggests several effective strategies for improving intergenerational relationships. The book concludes with suggestions for considering other types of non-generational diversity as well as examining whether or not the strategies useful in a work context can be leveraged in broader society as well. Keywords Workplace interactions; generational differences; conflict management; stereotypes; social identity theory; Millennials; Baby Boomers; Genera- tion X; diversity; organizational culture Contents Foreword by Thomas F. McKee, Jr. ..........................................................xi Acknowledgments ..................................................................................xv Introduction ..........................................................................................1 Chapter 1 A History of Uncertainty ...................................................9 Chapter 2 Defining “Generation” .....................................................25 Chapter 3 Misunderstandings, Biases, and Stereotypes .....................51 Chapter 4 Implications for the Workplace and Beyond.....................67 Chapter 5 Changing the Game .........................................................89 Conclusion ........................................................................................105 References ...........................................................................................111 About the Author ................................................................................119 Index .................................................................................................121
The list of books you might like
