For this assignment you will write a paper in which you explore the challenges inherent in leading the multigenerational workforce. You can draw upon your own observations and experiences working with various generations as you complete the requirements below AND include at least three peer-reviewed article to help you with multigenerational examples as well.
Note: If you do not have any of your own multigenerational work experiences to draw from, you may use an experience you have heard about from someone you are close to or utilize the article examples. Your paper must address the following for the four generations in the workforce: Baby Boomer, Generation X, and Millennial (Generation Y), and Generation Z:
- Define the demographics for each generational cohort in the current workforce.
- Describe the different workstyles, reward preferences, and perspectives for each generational cohort.
- Identify the typical challenges of leading or managing a multigenerational workforce. Are they present in your workplace?
- Identify at least two examples of multigenerational workplace conflict specific to your workplace or industry and explain how they impact your organizational culture.
- For the unique workplace or industry challenges you have identified, outline two or more leadership strategies that you feel will be most effective in overcoming these challenges. How might this strategy be received differently by different generations?
- Identify one challenge that you believe presents the biggest obstacle to an organization for each generation. Offer a specific example to illustrate each challenge (real or hypothetical). Explain what strategy you would employ to limit a negative impact to organizational culture or success.
- Write a conclusion that includes an overall suggestion one or two steps organizational leadership can take to bring the multigenerational workforce together to create a productive workplace culture.