Cross-Generational Communication in the Workplace

Running Head: MANAGEMENT
0
Management
4/14/2019

MANAGEMENT
1
The essay brings about the discussion on the concepts of the cross-generation communication
with the employee age groups in context to the organisations. A generational gap refers to the
difference of opinions between one generation and other in reference to their beliefs.
Therefore, the discussion will include the differences between generations at work, and
similarities, and other aspects will be explored in the essay in relation to the case of a
manager and employee’s relationship.
Cross-generational communication
The aspect of cross-generation communication in workplace is very common as managers
communicate differently with people from different generations. The main difference
between these five generations is observed in respect to the decision-making process. As
younger generation, people take decisions faster, show willingness to take risks than other
generations (Stiehr et al., 2018).
Another larger difference amongst these five generations is observed in terms of feedback
equation. For an example, older employees like to have a formal feedback such as
documented feedback or review. On the other hand, Gen X employees like to receive
frequent feedback, and understand it to be accompanied with their achievements (Bencsik et
al., 2016).
Five generations in the workplace includes:
Traditionalists- born before 1945
Baby boomers- born 1946 to 1964
Generation X- born 1965 to 1980
Generation Y or Millennials - born 1981 to 1995
Generation Z- born 1996 to 2012.
Similarities or differences in five generations help or assist organisations in staffing in order
to provide goods and services to maximise the profits of organisation. Some of the points of
similarities have found as:
Research has shown that the generation X has similar aspects to the Boomers such as wanting
to produce more and excellent work and show dedication. Moreover, both the generation