Affiliation:
1. University of Nebraska, Omaha, USA
2. AGL & Associates, USA
Abstract
After decades of research into “generations,” there is still widespread disagreement whether 1) the concept of generations is legitimate, 2) the “correct” composition of the various generations, 3) whether predictions about consistent belief systems and/or behavior by members of generations are valid. With organizational viability being dependent on maintaining successful cultures, the selection process is a critical piece of the equation. And with the presence of multiple generations in U.S. workplaces, many in positions that carry hiring authority, it is important to ascertain whether there are patterns of predictable decision-making based on an individual's generational location. In this chapter, the authors outline a study that utilized logit regression analysis techniques to determine 1) to what extent individuals identify with common generational labels and 2) to what degree survey respondents differ, both by generation and sub-groups within those generations, in their patterns of selection of hypothetical job applicants.