Generational Differences in Work Values: Using Retrospective Methods to Disentangle the Effects of Age and Cohort

Abstract

Although the scientific evidence for generational differences in work values is weak and results of published studies on generations may not be strictly valid due to conceptual and methodological problems, differences between generations seem to be acknowledged both in popular media and organisations. The present mixed-method study examined what importance Generation X, (born 1965-1980) (n = 17), Generation Y (born 1981-1994) (n = 45) and Generation Z (born 1995-2015) (n = 80) place on work values, as measured by the Lyons Work Value Survey, and why this occurs, by means of semi-structured interviews. In order to overcome the limitations of cross-sectional research as a method of studying generational differences, this study used retrospective methods which allow for the comparison of generations within the same life stage in different time periods. Results showed (1) Generation Z placed more importance on Instrumental Personal Security and Social Work Environment than Generation Y, (2) Generation Z placed more importance on Instrumental Management Support and Sociality Enabling Tasks than Generation X, (3) there were no differences between Generation X and Y. Overall, findings suggest that differences are not outweighed by similarities in work values between Generation X, Y and Z.