Management Basics: Managing Generation X

Abstract

Today’s workforce is dominated by two generations: “Baby Boomers”(“Boomers”), born between 1946 and 1964, and “Generation X” (“Gen Xers” or “Baby Busters”), born roughly between 1965 and 1979. A third generation is beginning to enter the workforce: Generation Y (“Nexters” or “The Internet Generation” or “The Echo Boomers”), the eldest of whom just turned 24(Rodriguez, Green & Ree, 2003). As is somewhat typical of intergenerational groups, there have been substantive misunderstandings between Boomers, Gen Xers, and Gen Yers. Gen Xers have been called everything from slackers to disloyal, from dumb to just plain bad (O’Bannon, 2001). Gen Yers, often called the “MTV Generation,” are portrayed with tattoos and multiple body piercings in most media outlets (Paul, 2001). On the other hand, Gen Xers categorize Boomers as managers that ignore ideas from employees, provide inconsistent or no feedback or recognition when it is due, and adopt “do it because I said so” management (Zemke, Raines & Filipczak, 2000). The failure to recognize and acknowledge differences between Boomers, Gen Xers, and Gen Yers can result in miscommunication, misunderstandings, and harsh feelings, creating dysfunctional supervisor-employee relationships. The purpose of this article is to provide insight into Generation X and Generation Y in order to help Boomers understand their younger colleagues.