Introduction

In work and social settings considering the traits of each generation that is present can help to create a harmonious environment. In this document we will discuss what we mean by a generation and the definition of what we mean by a “generation gap”.

We will then look at each of the generations and the events that sculpted and moulded them into the people they became.

Finally, we will look at the issue that can arise due to the differences in attitudes and thinking between the generations.

What is a generation?

We refer to generations in everyday conversations to address a cohort. An example maybe mentioning the older generation, the millennials, etc freely without necessarily understanding how that generation is defined.

The common understanding of a generation is a cohort that experienced similar historical events and trends which has then shaped a “collective consciousness”. This leads to people born in the same time frame, with similar experiences during their early years, sharing similar values, beliefs, traits, and perspectives. The boundaries between generations aren’t rigid and will vary depending upon the individual’s experiences during their formative years.

One of the main researchers around generations was Karl Mannheim who was a sociologist and philosopher. He proposed a theory of generations in his work “The Problem of Generations,” published in 1923.

It is generally accepted that the dates for the various generation are defined as those below:

The Silent Generation (1925-1945)
The Baby Boomer Generation (1946-1964)
Generation X (1965-1979)
Millennials (1980-1994)
Generation Z (1995-2012)
Gen Alpha (2013 – 2025)

The Silent Generation will not be detail in this document due to the low numbers in the workplace.

What do we mean by a generation gap?

A generation gap refers to large differences in the understanding, beliefs, traits, or behaviours between two generational cohorts. Some areas where generation gaps and conflict could occur are as follows:

Cultural Shifts – generations may have different values and younger generations may perceive certain some values as outdated or irrelevant.

Technological advances – As technology moves forward the younger generation have grown up with technology, referred to as digital natives, but the older generation might not find adoption of new technologies so easy. These differences can affect the preferred generational communication styles.

Social / Political Views – Depending upon the climate that a cohort is subjected to in their early years their views on politics, social issues and ideologies may vary from other generations.

Workplace Dynamics – Workplace culture has changed over time with the organisation hierarchies becoming flatter over time and clothing becoming less formal. This can lead to confusion and tension in situations where some generations crave structure and formalities.