An investigation into what factors need to be considered in the management of different generations in a financial services company in Ireland in relation to each cohort's work values and attitudes to work

Cummins, Grace (2019) An investigation into what factors need to be considered in the management of different generations in a financial services company in Ireland in relation to each cohort's work values and attitudes to work. Masters thesis, Dublin, National College of Ireland.

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Abstract

In the ever-changing business environment of today, organisations have found themselves managing people from various generations (Saba, 2013). There are many factors such as advancements in technology and an aging workforce, which challenge the workplace to support all participating generations (Saba, 2013). This study explores the factors that need to be considered in managing different generations in a financial services company in Ireland. Differences in job satisfaction and motivation across age cohorts were explored by investigating each generation’s work values and beliefs and their impact on the workplace. A quantitate research approach was adopted in order to identify the values and behaviours of each employee. A survey of 130 employees was conducted with a 76% response rate. The results were analyzed using SPSS Software. The findings suggest that communication and communication styles are the most prevalent differences between generations with 63% of respondents stating so. In the findings, younger generations indicated a preference for informal approaches to communication versus older employees indicating preference for structured feedback and direction. Although there were no inherent differences in work values identified between generation X and Y, from the survey conducted, it was demonstrated that the generations show differences in relation to attitudes to work and behaviours in the workplace. This research suggests that organisations need to take a balanced approach to the notion of generational differences and its impact. It has identified a need for different approaches to training, development of employees and communication styles. A number of recommendations for future research are identified including the need to identify preferred training and coaching methods for all generations, as well as expanding the research approach for a longitudinal style to cross a larger and more diverse generation sample which could provide deeper insights into changing behaviours of generational cohorts over a longer period.

Item Type:	Thesis (Masters)
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HG Finance > Financial Services H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > HD28 Management. Industrial Management > Human Resource Management H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > HD28 Management. Industrial Management > Human Resource Management > Performance Management > Motivation H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > Issues of Labour and Work > Quality of Work Life / Job Satisfaction
Divisions:	School of Business > Master of Arts in Human Resource Management
Depositing User:	Caoimhe Ní Mhaicín
Date Deposited:	16 Oct 2019 14:19
Last Modified:	16 Oct 2019 14:19
URI:	https://norma.ncirl.ie/id/eprint/3930

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