Xennials: a microgeneration in the workplace

2018 ◽  
Vol 50 (3) ◽  
pp. 136-147 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melissa Kempf Taylor

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the microgeneration between Generation X and the Millennial generation. The research question addressed was “What makes the Xennial generation unique and how might the knowledge of these differences be beneficial to organizations?” Design/methodology/approach The research question was analyzed by a review of literature through the lens of generational theory. This study reviewed current literature on generational theory, years encompassing specific generations, and differences between recent generations in the workplace. Findings It was discovered the exact years distinguishing generations were unclear because generations fade into one another without a distinct starting and stopping point. This overlap creates a cusp generation or microgeneration. The presented findings suggest microgeneration employees could aid in reducing workplace generational tensions. Practical implications Organizations can benefit from creating flexible workplaces accommodating the desires of multi-generational employees while still meeting the goals of the organization as a whole. It is important managers approach generational differences with a clear perspective of what information is valid and what may simply be popular. It is crucial to remember employees are individuals who never completely fit a stereotype, generational, or otherwise. Originality/value Very few academic articles on generational differences mention cusp generations and none address their unique opportunities for organizations in the workplace. Members of microgenerations between major generational cohorts may be a key to reducing workplace friction between employees of different generations.

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 558-577 ◽  
Author(s):  
Faiza Khan ◽  
Michelle Callanan

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to address the confusing use of terminology associated with tourism undertaken by Muslims and to identify key concerns associated with this type of tourism. Design/methodology/approach This is an exploratory study and adopts a critical review of literature following the evolutionary concept analysis method. Content analysis of popular UK media, UK-based tour operators’ websites and tourism strategies of destinations popular with Muslim tourists were conducted to examine the use of terminology. Findings There is no clear difference between the various terms (halal, Muslim friendly, Islamic, etc.) used. Overall, academia uses the term Islamic tourism, while the industry and media use various terms. Among destinations, however, there is no clear and consistent use of terminology. A key concern of Islamic tourism is the role of certification in assuring travellers and the lack of standardisation of halal certification. Research limitations/implications The paper is based on literature review and secondary data analysis. It lacks primary research. Practical implications This study highlights the need for consistent use of terminology across industry. Another implication is the issue surrounding halal certification of food and the importance of trust in the seller/service provide. Another trend that industry providers need to consider is the growth of the Muslim millennial traveller and the needs of this market segment. Originality/value The paper highlights the importance of studying the Muslim tourist market and provides a starting point for further research. It highlights several issues such as the need to develop a typology of Muslim tourists. Of particular interest is the concern whether halal values in danger of being commodified in the absence of a universal agreed criterion for halal certification.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Buell Hirsch

Purpose This paper aims to examine the challenges to sustaining corporate culture in a world of hybrid working. Design/methodology/approach This paper is a review of current literature on the impact of remote and hybrid working on white-collar employees. Findings There is little consensus on whether remote/hybrid working will harm or strengthen corporate culture. Research limitations/implications The viewpoint is a subjective assessment of a limited number of articles on the subject Practical implications It is not entirely clear how those responsible for corporate culture can act on the findings. Social implications In a world in which corporations are experiencing a shortage of talent, how they handle corporate culture will be increasingly important. Originality/value While much has been written on the impact of remote working, this viewpoint takes the original view that strong corporate cultures rely more on the attitudes and actions of individual employees that company programs or initiatives.


2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 10-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristina Johansson ◽  
Lena Abrahamsson

Purpose This paper aims to explore how gendering of the learning environment acts to shape the design and outcome of workplace learning. The primary intention is to reflect on the idea of gender-equal organizations as a prerequisite for workplace learning. Design/methodology/approach A review of literature relating to gender and workplace learning was conducted with the relation between gender-(un)equal organizations and the design and outcome of workplace learning as the focus of the analysis. This was followed by an analysis of the characteristics of an organization that promote both adoptive and developmental workplace learning. Findings The literature shows how the gendering of the learning environment acts to shape workplace learning, often by preventing development learning and limiting adoptive learning to already privileged groups. To facilitate development, workplace learning requires that organizations are guided by nuanced knowledge of work organization and strategically use workplace learning to challenge existing power relations; that they are not characterised by gender segregation; and that the presence and protection of gendered practices and identities do not dominate learning activities. Practical implications Stressing gender-equal organizations as a prerequisite for learning requires stakeholders to integrate a gender perspective in the design of workplace learning. Originality/value This paper contributes to the literature considering workplace learning by highlighting how gender-equal organizations constitutes a prerequisite for workplace learning and in defining a few basic characteristics of such organizations.


2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (4) ◽  
pp. 395-416 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy Dorie ◽  
David Loranger

PurposeThe aim of this research is to advance the understanding of multi-channel behaviour in terms of different generational cohorts' usage and spending patterns.Design/methodology/approachBuilding on previous studies on multi-channel behaviour, differences in shopping channel usage and purchase amounts were investigated between baby boomers, Gen X, xennials and millennials.FindingsThere were significant differences found between the generations in terms of multi-channel behaviour regarding purchasing frequency and average purchase amounts via a) mobile phone, b) tablet, c) computer, d) social media and e) brick-and-mortar. Fewer differences were found amongst the generational cohorts in terms of amount spent per channel.Research limitations/implicationsThe research was successful in analysing variances in multi-channel behaviour amongst the baby boomer, Generation X, xennial and millennial cohorts, while updating the body of literature to consider generational channel usage of mobile and social media in multi-channel retailing.Practical implicationsMarketers should consider xennials’ channel behaviour and focus on converting sales through integrated programmes based on their channel usage. Retailers should also consider millennials' heavy engagement with social media in their lives but spend lower amounts via the medium, which may be an opportunity to use this medium as a viable stand-alone channel in targeting millennials' shopping dollars.Originality/valueThis study updates the body of research on multi-channel behaviour by considering generation as a factor in channel usage and spend amount.


2016 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 296-300
Author(s):  
Carol Ireland ◽  
Rebecca Ozanne ◽  
Jane Ireland

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to consider the current knowledge in regard to females who engage in sexually harmful behaviour (HSB). Design/methodology/approach This is a brief paper, reviewing current literature. Findings This paper argues the continual limitations in fully understanding this population. However, it suggests the importance of progressing to discuss patterns of offending as opposed to typologies. Practical implications This argues the importance of effective formulation and consideration of patterns when understanding HSB in females. Originality/value This is a current brief review of the literature, summarising key thinking in this area, and some suggested ways forward for further progression.


2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 201-218 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christine M. Van Winkle ◽  
Amanda Cairns ◽  
Kelly J. MacKay ◽  
Elizabeth A. Halpenny

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to understand mobile device (MD) use in a festival context. Festivals offer a range of opportunities and activities to use a MD making this context ideal for understanding digital experiences during leisure. The guiding research question asked how do festival attendees use MDs at festivals. The Typology of Human Capability (THC) provided a framework to enhance the understanding of digital experiences at festivals. Design/methodology/approach This research involved six festival case studies where semi-structured interviews were conducted with attendees on-site. Interview questions focused on how festival attendees used MDs during the festival. Data were analyzed using directed content analysis guided by the THC. Findings On-site interviews with 168 attendees revealed that data support the THC dimensions and constructs (sensing, linking, organizing and performing). This typology advances the understanding of the range of digital customer experiences currently available at festivals. Research limitations/implications The addition of context to the THC is recommended to enhance its utility in application. As a limited number of festivals were included, the specific findings may not apply to all festivals but the implications are relevant to a range of festivals. Practical implications Operational definitions of the THC constructs within the festival setting were identified and provide opportunities for developing digital experience offerings. Originality/value This study provided the first comprehensive examination of MD use in festival contexts and in so doing offered data in support of Korn and Pine’s (2011) THC. The findings reveal opportunities for modifying the THC to increase its applicability in a range of settings.


2017 ◽  
Vol 33 (8) ◽  
pp. 14-16

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings The study provides a critical reading of the current literature. Also, it proposes an integrated approach that sees planning as a continuous effort of learning and adapting to needs and opportunities that dynamically emerge from daily practices. Practical implications The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organizations. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.


2014 ◽  
Vol 46 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Brian J. Hurn

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to review the encouraging progress and increased momentum in both business and Government for more women to be appointed to senior positions. It traces this momentum since the author's last article: “Are cracks now appearing in the boardroom glass ceiling?” in Industrial and Commercial Training, Vol. 45 No. 4, 2013. Design/methodology/approach – Critical review of recent initiatives by both government and business. Findings – The article highlights the positive momentum towards greater gender equality in the workplace. It emphasises the need for more career guidance beginning early in school for girls and to change the male-dominated culture found in many areas of business. Research limitations/implications – Review of literature and media articles in the past 12 months. Practical implications – The increased antipathy towards quotas and the need for greater career guidance in both schools and colleges, together with work experience placements for women. Recruitment and selection should be gender-free, based on ability and experience and carried out by selection panels of both sexes. Originality/value – Highlights and analyses the recent encouraging trends and increasing awareness of the value women bring to a company board.


2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings Becoming a learning organization can help significantly increase performance levels and sustain competitiveness. Implementation lean production principles can help the cause, although certain interaction effects between these practices and generational differences in values and beliefs might impact on learning capabilities. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.


Facilities ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph Lai ◽  
P.L. Yuen

Purpose This paper aims to report on a study that aims to establish a list of systematically classified key performance indicators (KPIs) that are useful for hospital facilities management (FM). Design/methodology/approach A review of literature was conducted to identify indicators that are applicable to hospital FM. Each indicator was classified using a phase–hierarchy (P-H) model, which is a two-dimensional matrix comprising three phases (input, process and output) of facilities services delivery and three hierarchical FM levels (operational, tactical and strategic). The classified indicators were further shortlisted via a focus group study. Findings From the literature review, 61 indicators were identified as applicable to hospital FM. Most of the indicators, according to the P-H model, are for evaluating the FM input or output phase, at the strategic or tactical level. Further refinement and shortlisting of the indicators by the focus group experts resulted in 18 KPIs, which fall into 4 aspects: “physical”, “safety”, “environmental” and “financial”. Research limitations/implications The study illustrates that the P-H model is useful for classifying the performance indicators systematically along the two fundamental FM dimensions – phase and hierarchy. Further research may use this model to classify performance indicators in other contexts. Practical implications The method of this study can be adapted for use in identifying, classifying and shortlisting FM performance indicators for other types of buildings. The shortlisted KPIs can be used for assessing the FM performance of hospitals. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first of its kind that used the P-H model to classify hospital FM performance indicators.


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