Bridging the Gap: How the Generations Communicate

Abstract

This study examines intergenerational communication and perception. Using the Anxiety/Uncertainty Management theory and statistical analysis, the following research questions are examined: RQ1: What is the main cause for the generational disconnect between Baby Boomers and Millennials? RQ2: How do the different generations believe they are perceived by the others? Faculty and staff at a private, religious institution in the Midwest, employees of a manufacturing company, and participants from a social media site took an online survey with questions regarding preferred communication methods, ease of communicating with other generations, and self-perception within the generational title they associate most with. The study ultimately found that overall, it is not that generations inherently perceive each other negatively, but that generations believe they will be perceived negatively by others and act accordingly.