A generation gap or generational gap, is a difference of opinions between one generation and another regarding beliefs, politics, or values. 

In today's usage, "generation gap" often refers to a perceived gap between younger people and their parents and/or grandparents.

HISTORY…

The sociological theory of a generation gap first came to light in the 1960s, when the younger generation (later known as Baby Boomers) seemed to go against everything their parents had previously believed in terms of music, values, governmental and political views.

Sociologists have divided the lifespan into three different levels: childhood, midlife and retirement. Usually, when any of these age groups is engaged in its primary activity, the individual members are physically isolated from people of other generations.

Now we can separate generations into 4 zones :

Traditionalists Baby Boomers

Generation X Generation Y / Millennials

Traditionalists Baby Boomers Gen X Millennials

Birth Years 1900-1945 1946-1964 1965-1980 1981-2000

Education A dream A birthright A way to get their An incredible expense

Focus Task Relationships and Results

Task and Results Global and Networked

Technology Adapted Acquired Assimilated Integral

Communication logical manner ,Show respect for

their age/experience

Diplomatic ,Speak open – direct

style

Blunt/Direct , Use straight talk

Polite Use positive,

respectful

Communications Media

Write a memo Touch-tone phones Cell phones Mobile, Internet ,E-mail

DISTINGUISH BETWEEN GENERATIONS

THEIR CHARACTERS & ATTITUDE

TraditionalistsTraditionalists are considered hardworking.The older generation is more likely to stay with one employer their entire

life.Traditionalists will avoid causing trouble and are good team players.

Baby BoomersBaby Boomers are known to be confident and independent.Baby Boomers are well educated and are exposed to more financial

resources than the past generation. Baby boomers are hard –working.

Generation XGeneration Xers are individualistic people and independent. Generation Xers also believe in more balance between their work and

home life. Generation Xers are more willing to try new and they welcome new

technology into their lives.

Generation Y / MillennialsGeneration Y is prone to communicating via electronic devices.Generation Y is family-centric and value family over work.This generation is achievement-oriented and is confident.

WORKPLACE BEHAVIORTraditionalists

Seniority and age correlateClimb the ladder by hard workUnderstand value and money (conservative)Respects authority

Baby Boomers Team Oriented Interested in health and wellness Always learning and always loyal

Generation X Prefer flexible work hours and informal work environment Easy to recruit, hard to retain High value on ‘having fun’ at work

Generation Y / MillennialsGoal setting is a priorityTeamwork attitude of BoomersThink DIFFERENTLY than any other member of the workforce

WORKING STYLE

TraditionalistsTraditionalists like to be recognized for their hard work. Traditionalists also see work as a team effort and avoid conflict. This group is also technically challenged and they may struggle to learn

new technology.

Baby BoomersBaby Boomers are career focused and enjoy achieving at work. Baby Boomers are very competitive.Baby Boomers are resourceful. Finally, Baby Boomers tend to favor face-to-face interaction instead of

remote means like emails, text, etc.

Generation XGeneration Xers enjoy freedom at work.Generation Xers will be the first ones to take advantage of technology. Finally, this generation believes in a healthy balance between work and

their personal life.

Generation Y / Millennials Generation Y’s working style is vastly different from those of the previous

generation. This generation is motivated by benefits that give them the ability to have

flexible schedules.This generation does expect a lot from their employer in terms of new

challenges.

LIFE EXPERIENCE

Hard times: The older generations experienced harder times. Baby Boomers know what it is to fight for civil rights and protest against the government.

Entertainment: The older generation experienced entertainment as traditional events like the movies and non-technical activities. The younger generation grew up with video games and other activities.

Technology: The younger generation experienced technology as a way of life. Generation X had technology grow into their lives and Generation Y never did without it. The older generation was slow to adapt and use technology as a social tool.

HOW TO LEARN FROM EACH OTHER

Frequent: Make sure team meets frequently in a team-meeting environment. It can be once a month, once a week etc. Having team together in a group will help them engage each other, communicate, and dialogue.

Informal: Make meeting less formal. This way everyone puts down his or her guard. Making meeting informal will allow employees to share and learn.

Team building: Make meetings about team building. Topics like updates, reports, etc., are best delivered by other means like email in a presentation.

BENEFITS OF GENERATION GAPS

Will gain a good perspective of the external culture. Can generate more ideas based on varying experiences. The older generation can help the younger generation refine their

social skills. The younger generation can help the older learn how to leverage

technology. Create a mentoring environment.

CONCLUSION

Although this report is coming to a close, we hope that our journey to improve our Generation Gap skills is just beginning. We need to take a moment to review and update our action plan. This will be a key tool to guide our progress in the days, weeks, months, and years to come.