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ABSTRACT
Many factors can affect organizational success. One factor that is important to organizational success is effective leadership. Research has shown there are differences in leadership style among generations. A cohort- group whose length approximates the span of life and boundaries and fixed by peer personality defines a generation. The purpose of this paper is to review the current leadership styles and generational differences literature. The paper examines whether there is a relationship between leadership style and generational cohort and its potential impact on organizational success. Structured interviews were conducted with individuals representing each generation. Five open-ended questions were asked to participants to determine the generation they identified. In addition, participants used a 1-10 ranking scale to identify preferred characteristics in admired leaders. The interviews demonstrated there are difference and similarities among the generations. Veterans and Generation Xers view honesty as important core values. Both express the need for communication in bridging the communication gap. Differences related to Baby Boomer belief in self-commitment and Veterans recognizing the importance with surrounding yourself with others. The author recommends researchers continue to examine, using an empirical method, generational differences and leadership styles to understand its affect on organizational success.
Keywords: generations, organizational success, leadership styles, age differences, work relationships, organizational leadership
INTRODUCTION
Can Generation Xers effectively lead Baby Boomers? Organizations are focusing their attention on effective leadership and employee satisfaction as potential influences on organizational success. In the past, many organizational challenges would be resolved by focusing on issues of gender and ethnic differences. However, organizations have failed to address issues related to generational differences that may have a significant impact on the leadership and success of the organization. In today's workplace, organizations are experiencing issues of effective communication and work group relationships affecting productivity, satisfaction, and retention of its employees. This is especially important in institutions of higher education. In these institutions, there are many departments and divisions staffed with different groups communicating and working together on a daily basis. Generation Xers are leading Boomers, Boomers are leading Veterans, and Nexters are trying to teach the other generations the latest technology that will help do their job. It is important research continue to examine, using an empirical method, the relationship between generational differences and organization success.