BUSINESS ETHICS AND BUSINESS COMMUNICATIONS IN THE CONTEXT OF GENERATION THEORY

Abstract

The globalization tendencies and the impact of the COVID-19 create a need to increase attention to business ethics and business communications at all levels (in each country and for the entire business community). The current situation in society as a whole and in the business community also has changed significantly under the influence of new communication conditions created during the pandemic. Most communications changed format to distance or mixed form. Also now, there is a change in the age structure of representatives of the business community, both leaders and managers at all levels. That is why the study of the features of business ethics and business communications for modern economically active generations in Ukraine is extremely relevant. The article examines the general characteristics of three generations of Ukrainians: baby boomers (1946–1965 years of birth), generation X (1966–1986 years of birth) and generation Y (1987–2005 years of birth). The features of business ethics and business communications for each of these generations are also systematized and analyzed. Generation of baby boomers is a generation focused on teamwork, ready to work long hours to increase self-esteem, define identity and self-realization; has a focus on work and focus on the process. Generation X is purposeful and responsible workers who value balance of work and life, who are reliable, self-sufficient, and ready to take responsibility and learn throughout life. Generation Y is a generation for which individuality is a norm that does not need to be proved and for which it should not be risked, for which it is important to express oneself in a community formed by a social network. In business communications for baby boomers, personal communications, non-verbal communications and the establishment of friendly relations are really important. For generation X, it is important to use only direct communication style in business communications, with enough number of facts, avoiding loud words and corporate jargon. For Generation Y, a positive, respectful, motivational, electronic style of business communication, the use of language to depict visual images, and the positivity of communication are very important.