Generational Conflict: A New Paradigm for Teams of the 21st Century

Abstract

Recent literature has been pointing to the fact that, in the workplace, there has been a growing state of tension and conflict between the Baby Boomers, those between 55 and 37 years of age, and Generation X, those between 36 and 18 years of age. A study was conducted to see if there were any significant differences between the Boomers and the Xers in the extent to which they valued teams. The study yielded the unexpected result that the Xers were significantly more team-oriented than were the Boomers. A second study was immediately undertaken to see whether there were any significant differences in terms of individualism versus collectivism between the generations. The second study showed that the Xers were significantly more individualistic than the Boomers. The combined finding from both studies (i.e., that Generation X is significantly more team-oriented and more individualistic than the Baby Boomers suggests that team building is as important as ever but must be conducted under a different paradigm. Major differences between the two generations are presented, as well as a comparison of two polar models for team development. The Traditional model, which is supportive of Boomer values, is presented and 