Generational Perceptions and How They Affect Workplace Experience

Abstract

This research examines how Baby Boomers and Generation Y perceive one another and how that perception has affected their intergenerational workplace experience. This study consisted of 40 subjects, each of whom completed a survey with a positive/negative word association and a modified Rochester Interaction Record to rate their workplace interactions; the surveys looked at perceptions and interactions within and between generations. The positive/negative word association showed that there was an interaction between perceptions of each generation, where both cohorts associated more negative words with Generation Y. Overall, the results indicated a negative perception of Generation Y both between and within generations, while respect was also given to the Baby Boomers both between and within generations.