In determining the generations; in addition to the social, economic and cultural conditions of the generations, the developments in technology are effective. On average, one generation is born in every 20 years. These generations have common needs, actions and motives. The classification of generations is subject to interdisciplinary research. According to the research, the classification of the generations varies from one culture to another. When the history and characteristics of the generations are analyzed, it is seen that the classifications are different according to the sources and authors. Each generation has common characteristics, judgments, strengths and weaknesses. It should also be remembered that there are stereotypes when talking about a generation.
Generation
The Silent Generation: A harmonious generation born between 1925-1945. This generation makes up 7 percent of Turkey's population. This generation prefers to receive easy, summable, simple information and stay in the same job for a long time.
The Baby Boom Generation: A prescriptive generation born between the years 1946-1964 and makes up 19% of Turkey. They have a high sense of loyalty, are thoughtful, and can also work in a place for a long time.
Generation X: It is a competitive generation born between the years 1965-1979 and makes up 22% of Turkey. They are technology-related, entrepreneurial, goal-oriented and independent.
Generation Y: It is a creative generation born between the years 1980-1999 and makes up 35% of Turkey. It is the first generation to grow with the charm of digital media. This generation has high adaptation power and can perform multiple tasks.
Generation Z: The generation is born after 2000 and makes up 17% of Turkey.
It is accepted that there are differences in work and life between different generation managers working together in the same work environment. These differences may arise in the form of disagreements, contradictions and disputes between two or more generations in enterprises and other organizations, especially in the family.
Generation Differences in Business Life
When the working lives of today's individuals are examined, it is seen that so many generations work together for the first time. The rising welfare level leads individuals to take part in business for long years. As a result of this, “The Baby Boom Generation, Generation X and Generation Y" are working at the same time. Ten years from now, “Generation Z” will join this working life. This diversity is thought to cause disagreements, conflicts and problems.
What Managers Should Do
Generations have their own preferences, expectations, characteristics, beliefs, experiences and working styles. It is possible to understand the differences between generations through a successful management process. Managers should have knowledge about the characteristics of the generations, approaching the different characteristics of each generation by knowing their positive or negative aspects will affect the motivation of all employees and ensure their efficient work. Managers should ensure that generations work in harmony with each other by recognizing generation differences and attaching importance to communication. It is suggested to managers that some elements related to generations should be taken into consideration. These;
-
Modelling brainstorm groups in the workplace,
-
Organizing coaching / mentoring programs,
-
To establish a social communication platform that will increase the interaction levels of all generations,
-
To give importance to teamwork,
-
Organizing orientation programs,
-
Being impartial,
-
Organizing frequent meetings,
-
Transferring decisions to new generations,
-
Establishing idea workshops,
-
Organizing joint activities to be attended by all generations,
-
Reducing bureaucracy, giving importance to informal relations.
The problems that the generations have with each other effect the social and working life. It causes employees not to understand each other and to look at the events from different angles. It is an important requirement that management levels manage these differences between generations well.
