Generational differences: An examination of work values and generational gaps in the hospitality workforce

The purpose of this study is to identify generational differences and similarities among hospitality employees and managers in order to develop leadership strategies and management styles that can be utilized to increase employee morale and productivity while enhancing recruitment and retention rate...

Full description

Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Gursoy, D, Maier, T., Chi, C.
Format: Journal Article
Published: Pergamon 2008
Online Access:http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/22102
_version_ 1848750776806014976
author Gursoy, D
Maier, T.
Chi, C.
author_facet Gursoy, D
Maier, T.
Chi, C.
author_sort Gursoy, D
building Curtin Institutional Repository
collection Online Access
description The purpose of this study is to identify generational differences and similarities among hospitality employees and managers in order to develop leadership strategies and management styles that can be utilized to increase employee morale and productivity while enhancing recruitment and retention rates of highly qualified workers. Data for this study were collected through a series of in-depth focus group discussions. Findings indicated significant generational differences in world views, attitudes toward authority and perspectives on work. Findings suggested the Baby Boomers respect authority and hierarchy, while the Generation X-ers (Gen X-ers) rebel against authority. Findings also suggested while Baby Boomers live to work, Gen X-ers work to live. The Baby Boomers are willing to wait their turn for promotions and rewards, and are very loyal. On the other hand, Gen X-ers expect immediate recognition through title, praise, promotion, and pay. They also want a life outside of work-they are not likely to sacrifice theirs for the company. The Millennial Generation believes in collective action, with optimism of the future, and trust in centralized authority. They like teamwork, showing a strong will to get things done with a great spirit. © 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
first_indexed 2025-11-14T07:42:13Z
format Journal Article
id curtin-20.500.11937-22102
institution Curtin University Malaysia
institution_category Local University
last_indexed 2025-11-14T07:42:13Z
publishDate 2008
publisher Pergamon
recordtype eprints
repository_type Digital Repository
spelling curtin-20.500.11937-221022017-09-13T13:53:47Z Generational differences: An examination of work values and generational gaps in the hospitality workforce Gursoy, D Maier, T. Chi, C. The purpose of this study is to identify generational differences and similarities among hospitality employees and managers in order to develop leadership strategies and management styles that can be utilized to increase employee morale and productivity while enhancing recruitment and retention rates of highly qualified workers. Data for this study were collected through a series of in-depth focus group discussions. Findings indicated significant generational differences in world views, attitudes toward authority and perspectives on work. Findings suggested the Baby Boomers respect authority and hierarchy, while the Generation X-ers (Gen X-ers) rebel against authority. Findings also suggested while Baby Boomers live to work, Gen X-ers work to live. The Baby Boomers are willing to wait their turn for promotions and rewards, and are very loyal. On the other hand, Gen X-ers expect immediate recognition through title, praise, promotion, and pay. They also want a life outside of work-they are not likely to sacrifice theirs for the company. The Millennial Generation believes in collective action, with optimism of the future, and trust in centralized authority. They like teamwork, showing a strong will to get things done with a great spirit. © 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. 2008 Journal Article http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/22102 10.1016/j.ijhm.2007.11.002 Pergamon restricted
spellingShingle Gursoy, D
Maier, T.
Chi, C.
Generational differences: An examination of work values and generational gaps in the hospitality workforce
title Generational differences: An examination of work values and generational gaps in the hospitality workforce
title_full Generational differences: An examination of work values and generational gaps in the hospitality workforce
title_fullStr Generational differences: An examination of work values and generational gaps in the hospitality workforce
title_full_unstemmed Generational differences: An examination of work values and generational gaps in the hospitality workforce
title_short Generational differences: An examination of work values and generational gaps in the hospitality workforce
title_sort generational differences: an examination of work values and generational gaps in the hospitality workforce
url http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/22102