ABSTRACT
The U.S. workplace is increasingly diverse, and one of the ways in which diversity is evident is in the age range and generational composition of its workforce. Employees of different generations often share similar views about work; however, there is also evidence of diversity across generations with respect to workplace norms and varying expectations about such things as leadership, communication, and “correct” employee interaction. Given that there are now four generations simultaneously in the U.S. workforce, people often find themselves in situations with coworkers, supervisors, and customers of various ages who have contrasting (and at times, conflicting) viewpoints. When diverse perspectives about work emerge, they heighten the saliency of age/generational differences and influence individuals’ perceptions of workplace outcomes and relationships. Key research questions emerge from this phenomenon. Such as: to what extent do real differences among the generations exist and how do these compare to the differences we perceive to exist? This chapter presents an overview of current thought regarding generational
diversity (including brief descriptions of each of the generations currently in the workforce). There is also an overview of the differences between generations that have been demonstrated in past organizational studies. In addition, the related but separate issue of age-related diversity and perceptions at work is discussed. The focus then turns to a description of a study conducted by the authors that compares perceived differences among the generations to actual differences found among workers. Finally, the authors discuss the implications these ideas have for twenty-first-century U.S. managers and employees.
