Table 1 An overview of distinct generational traits and characteristics
Characteristic | Baby-boomer ~ 1946—1960 | Gen X ~ 1960—1980 | Gen Y/ Millenials ~ 1980—1995 | Gen Z ~ 1995—2012 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Teaching preference | Traditional lecture format | Combination of traditional and technology-based methods | Interactive, self-paced, technology-based methods | Hybrid (blended) learning, technology-focused |
Learning style | Teacher-centered, note-taking, memorization | Collaborative, project-based, real-world application | Collaborative and networked, technology-based | Learn through images/videos/audio instead of text Experiential active Learning |
Technology | Early information technology (IT) adaptors | Uses with confidence Digital immigrants | Part of everyday life, intuitive Digital Natives | Digital-first Technoholics |
Social media | N/A | Some use for personal communication | High use for personal and professional communication | Integrated into daily life |
Feedback | Once per year, during the annual review | Weekly/daily | On demand | Consistent, immediate and frequent |
Communications approaches | Telephone | Email and text messages | Text or social media | Hand-held communication devices |
Communication preference | Face to face ideally, but telephone or email if required | Text messaging or email | Online and mobile texting | Facetime |
Knowledge sharing | Willingly, voluntarily | Based on mutuality and cooperation | Only in cases of self-interest or if forced | On virtual level, easily and rapidly, no stake, publicly |
Values | Patience, soft skills, respect for traditions, EQ, hard work | Hard work, openness, respect for diversity, curiosity, practicality | Flexibility, mobility, broad but superficial knowledge, success orientation, creativity, freedom of information takes priority | Live for the present, rapid reaction to everything, initiator, brave, rapid information access and content search |
Attitude towards career | Organisational – careers are defined by employers | Early “portfolio” careers – loyal to profession, not necessarily to employer | Digital entrepreneurs – work “with” organisations and not “for” organisations | Career multitaskers – will move seamlessly between organisations and “pop up” businesses |
Aim AND ASPIRATION | Solid existence Job security | Multi-environ-ment, secure position Work life balance | Freedom and flexibility | Live for the Present |
Relationship | First and foremost personal | Personal and virtual networks | Principally virtual, network | Virtual and superficial |
View | Communal, unified thinking | Self-centered and medium-term | Egotistical, short-term | No sense of commitment, be happy with what you have and live for the present |
Problem solving | Horizontal | Independent | Collaborative | Entrepreneurial |
Teamwork | Unknown | Natural environment (multinational companies) | On a virtual level (only if forced) | Virtual and rapid |
Change management | Change = caution | Change = opportunity | Change = improvement | Change = expected |
Training | Preferred in moderation | Required as necessary | Continuous and expected | Ongoing and essential |
Behavior | Challenge the rules | Change the rules | Create the rules | Customize the rules |