Managing the Friction Between Five Generations in the Workplace — Presentation Detail — Celebration of Scholars

Instructions

Student presentations must have a faculty sponsor.

Abstracts must include a title and a description of the research, scholarship, or creative work. The description should be 150-225 words in length and constructed in a format or style appropriate for the presenter’s discipline.

The following points should be addressed within the selected format or style for the abstract:

A clear statement of the problem or question you pursued, or the scholarly goal or creative theme achieved in your work.
A brief comment about the significance or uniqueness of the work.
A clear description of the methods used to achieve the purpose or goals for the work.
A statement of the conclusions, results, outcomes, or recommendations, or if the work is still in progress, the results you expect to report at the event.

Presenter photographs should be head and shoulder shots comparable to passport photos.

Additional Information

More information is available at carthage.edu/celebration-scholars/. The following are members of the Research, Scholarship, and Creativity Committee who are eager to listen to ideas and answer questions:

Jun Wang
Kim Instenes
John Kirk
Nora Nickels
Andrew Pustina
James Ripley

Managing the Friction Between Five Generations in the Workplace

Name: Michelle Balcerzak
Major: Marketing
Hometown: Tinley Park
Faculty Sponsor:
Other Sponsors:
Type of research: Senior thesis

Abstract

With the presence of three distinct generations in the workplace, and another cohort emerging rapidly, the potential for conflict is incredibly high. Through an in-depth analysis of characteristics particular to each cohort, this study focuses on ways to develop mentoring relationships, conflict resolution strategies, and communication and collaboration platforms. Through secondary research concerning the origins of mentorship, the results indicated that traditional mentoring provided both career development and psychosocial support. While traditional mentoring has proven to be beneficial for those involved, reverse mentoring functions as an innovative way to encourage learning and facilitate cross-generational relationships. Along with mentorships, educational programs are designed to teach different communication styles and develop a comfortable work environment needed to manage multigenerational conflict. ACORN is an acronym introduced to summarize the five operating ideas successful companies use to build organizations. These five ideas begin to develop a workplace that is comfortable, accommodating, flexible, positive, and encompassing in nature. In addition to the ACORN strategies, Joyce Hahn offers five strategies for managers to work effectively with a multigenerational staff. Educational practices can resolve conflict when used properly; however, communication between different cohorts is one of the main components of successful multigenerational teams. It is important to acknowledge that technological advancements allow current employers to unite an increasingly diversified workplace. By looking at existing efforts to bridge the gap, this study addresses and resolves multigenerational workplace challenges in order to focus on cohort-specific tasks, attitudes, and needs.

Poster file