Millennials’ work values: differences across the school to work transition

2015 ◽  
Vol 44 (6) ◽  
pp. 991-1009 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa K. J. Kuron ◽  
Sean T. Lyons ◽  
Linda Schweitzer ◽  
Eddy S.W. Ng

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether work values vary across different life and career stages in a sample of Millennials. Design/methodology/approach – The sample for this study was comprised of 906 Canadian Millennials (born between 1980 and 1994). Findings – Pre-career and working Millennials varied in terms of the importance they placed on five work values – interesting work, achievement, good co-workers, doing work that helped people and salary – although these differences were small in magnitude. This suggests that Millennials’ work values are relatively stable as they grow older and gain work experience. Research limitations/implications – A large body of research citing generational differences relies upon cross-sectional studies which compares different generations of individuals at different life stages, thus making it impossible to disentangle whether the differences are a result of generational or life-cycle effects. The findings that the importance of work values shift over the life course suggest that maturation effects may explain only a small portion of these differences in the emerging adulthood phase. This finding is particularly important for researchers who rely on samples of post-secondary students as this is a period of change from both an individual and career developmental perspective. Practical implications – This research suggests that pre-career Millennials may be attracted to organizations which emphasize a collegial work environment and socially responsible culture. Once they are in the workforce, Millennials can be attracted and retained through attractive working conditions and remuneration. All Millennials are most likely to be attracted to workplaces that provide interesting work, work-life balance, job security and the information workers need to do their jobs effectively. Originality/value – Developmental psychology and career development literature suggest that transitioning from school-to-work is a major life event. Past research has shown that the importance of work values change across this transition and that this change differs among social generations (i.e. Baby Boomers and Generation Xers), but research to date has not examined this transition in the current, millennial generation (born after 1980). We answer the call for researchers to understand Millennials as they progress in their careers, demonstrate that the shift in work values is different for Millennials, and provide actionable recommendations for managers.

2015 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. 66-82 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiang Yi ◽  
Barbara Ribbens ◽  
Linna Fu ◽  
Weibo Cheng

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to compare and understand how age, gender and culture affect individual career and work-related attitudes in Chinese and American samples. Design/methodology/approach – Online and printed questionnaires were administered to employees and managers in China, whereas in the USA, faculty, staff and students at a Midwestern university responded to an online survey. Snowball sampling technique was used to collect data. Independent sample t-tests were conducted to test the hypothesis. Findings – The study showed different work values and attitudes in the workplace between Chinese and the US samples, and indicated the specifics influences that national culture has on them. Culture affects generational changes; generational differences in the US sample are bigger than in Chinese sample; work values differ across generations and cultures; traditional gender role differences persist more strongly across generations in Chinese sample than in the US sample. Research limitations/implications – Generalizability issues; cross-sectional data. Practical implications – US-based multi-national corporations need to understand these differences and better manage their diverse employees operating in China. Originality/value – This study compared generation, culture and gender differences simultaneously; parallel groups at similar life stages were used by basing the boundaries of each generation on the distinct cultural events of each nation. This approach is more consistent with generation definitions than by using influential specific events of each country, respectively. Useful to managers, it will provide guidance for understanding work values and attitudes across gender and generations in the USA and China. Most benefit will occur for US based multinational companies that have Chinese operations, and manage employees with cultural, gender and generational differences.


2016 ◽  
Vol 39 (12) ◽  
pp. 1695-1719 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nitya Rani ◽  
Anand Samuel

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide an insight into differences in work values and Person–Organisation (P–O) fit of Baby Boomers, Gen X and Gen Y in India and to understand the relationship between (P–O) fit values and turnover intention of Generation Y employees. Design/methodology/approach The work values were measured using an adapted version of Lyons Work Values scale. The generational differences in work values and P–O fit were studied using multivariate analysis of variance and relationship between P–O fit values and turnover intention of Gen Y employees was studied using polynomial regression and response surface methodology. Findings Significant differences in work values were observed between Generation Y and older generations. Generation Y also reported significantly higher discrepancy in P–O fit values than Generation X and Baby Boomers. This had an effect on their turnover intention. Research limitations/implications A cross-sectional design was used to study the generational differences in work values where the generation effects may have been confounded with age effects. Practical implications The differences in work values and P–O fit values of Generation Y and older generations provide input into designing organisation systems and structures more suitable for younger generations to manage the high turnover among Generation Y in India. Originality/value This is one of the first studies on generational differences in work values and P–O fit in the Indian context. It is also one of the first to investigate relationship between P–O fit and turnover intention of Generation Y in India.


2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (6) ◽  
pp. 494-503
Author(s):  
Ekarat Sombatsawat ◽  
Titaporn Luangwilai ◽  
Parichat Ong-artborirak ◽  
Wattasit Siriwong

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and determine factors influencing MSDs among rice farmers. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional study was carried out among 156 rice farmers from 14 villages in Tarnlalord sub-district, Phimai district, Nakhon Ratchasima province, Thailand, from February 2017 to March 2017. Face-to-face interviews, including demographics, work characteristics and musculoskeletal pain, were conducted using a modified standardized Nordic questionnaire. Findings The results revealed that both 78 males and 78 females participated in the study to which the average of age and body mass index (BMI) was 45.5±11.4 years and 24.9±4.0 kg/m2, respectively. All rice farmers reported MSDs in at least one body region during the six months preceding the interview. The highest prevalence of MSDs showed 86.5 percent in the lower back area, followed by 85.9 percent in the neck, and 80.7 percent in the shoulders. The analysis of binary logistic regression and Spearman’s rank correlation showed that factors such as gender, age, BMI, work experience and farm size influence MSDs’ occurrence, and pain severity in one or more body regions (p < 0.05). Originality/value Musculoskeletal injuries are a significant health problem in rice farmers. The study indicated that appropriate agricultural practices such as working posture, equipment size selection and carrying loads should be recommended to prevent MSDs. Thus, the occupational health and safety services in agricultural workers are needed.


2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 325-342 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Sabbir Rahman ◽  
Nuraihan Mat Daud ◽  
Hasliza Hassan

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between employee motivation and intention for knowledge sharing behaviour. Inter-generational differences (generations X and Y only) were assumed to moderate in the relationship between intention and knowledge sharing behaviour of non-academic staff of higher learning institutions. This research also aims to test the role of behavioural intention as mediation between motivation and knowledge sharing behaviour. Design/methodology/approach This research tested a conceptual framework derived from widely accepted theories. This study was carried out on non-academic staff working at the different higher learning institutions in Malaysia. Respondents from private and public higher learning institutions in Peninsular Malaysia were asked to complete a self-administered questionnaire. This research also applied confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling to examine the proposed hypothesis of this inquiry. Findings Results indicate that non-academic staff knowledge sharing behaviour was significantly mediated by intention between motivation and knowledge sharing behaviour relationship. More specifically, inter-generational differences (generations X and Y) play a significant moderation role between intention and knowledge sharing behaviour. Research limitations/implications The generalizability of this cross-sectional study can be strengthened by adopting a longitudinal approach in the next phase of the study. Practical implications The results of this research highlighted that the higher learning institutions need to institutionalize knowledge sharing behaviour among their non-academic staff (executive and non-executive) by facilitating knowledge sharing-oriented work environment. Originality/value This paper has attempted to furnish a comprehensive understanding of knowledge sharing behaviour among the non-academic staff of higher learning institutions.


2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (6) ◽  
pp. 1181-1198
Author(s):  
Alex Bignotti ◽  
Ingrid le Roux

PurposeIn spite of research on entrepreneurial intentions being a mature field of enquiry, little is known about the influence of experience on entrepreneurial intentions, especially among the youth and in developing contexts. This paper aims to investigate the impact of different types of experience – entrepreneurial early childhood experiences, prior start-up experiences, work experience, education and peer influence – on the entrepreneurial intentions of South African youth.Design/methodology/approachFirst, a quantitative survey of 827 secondary students was administered, and the results were analysed by means of hierarchical logistic regression. Second, two focus groups were conducted with secondary students representing two distinct segments of South African society to shed light on some of the unique survey findings.FindingsThe results revealed that the experiences of having attempted to start a business and having previously worked in a business, as well as entrepreneurship education, have a positive influence on youth entrepreneurial intentions, while peers' entrepreneurial intentions exert a negative influence. Peer influence and contextual factors such as family and community support, which are catalytic in other parts of the world, appear to dampen youth entrepreneurial intentions because of fear of failure and fear of competition.Originality/valueThis paper examines the influence of a broader taxonomy of experience types on youth entrepreneurial intentions than found in previous studies. It highlights the unique role played by specific types of experience and points to the need to include extra-curricular entrepreneurial experiences in interventions aimed at fostering youth entrepreneurial intentions in developing nations.


2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (6) ◽  
pp. 1004-1012
Author(s):  
Ioannis Moisoglou ◽  
Petros Galanis ◽  
Evangelia Meimeti ◽  
Angeliki Dreliozi ◽  
Petros Kolovos ◽  
...  

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of nurse staffing, nurse education and work experience on patients’ length of stay (LOS) in the Greek public hospitals. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional study, with retrospective administrative data, was implemented. From all seven Regional Health Authorities of Greece, 25 general surgical units in 17 public hospitals participated in the study. Findings All over the hospitals were studied, 32,287 patients ⩾17 years old and 203 nursing staff, who were working in the study units, were included in the analysis. According to the multivariate linear regression model, increased years of experience as a nurse (b= −0.04, 95% CI= −0.06 to −0.02, p=0.001) and increased percentage of registered nurse to the total nursing staff (b= −1.18, CI= −1.88 to −0.47, p=0.03) were associated with decreased patient LOS. Originality/value This was the first extended study in Greece, which explored the relationship between nurse staffing, nurse education, work experience and the LOS. The role that nurse staffing play together with its characteristics in the provision toward the quality healthcare services has already been recognized worldwide. The findings revealed the great shortage of nursing staff and the significant correlation between the work experience and educational level to patients’ LOS.


2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 239-261
Author(s):  
Sow Hup Joanne Chan ◽  
Moez Ben Yedder ◽  
Krisee Vipulakom

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between work values (WV) and expectations in terms of job quality (JQ) and workplace communication environment (WCE) of undergraduate students. Whether there are significant differences in terms of WV, JQ and WCE among cultural and demographic variables was also assessed. Design/methodology/approach A survey of 795 undergraduate students in China, Thailand and United Arab Emirates was conducted. Structural equation modeling and a series of one-way analysis of variance tests was carried out. Findings WV have significant effects on JQ expectations and WCE. This study identifies extrinsic values as the most important WV of the future job market entrants. There are differences in culture, gender and work experience between the three samples in the variables under investigation. Research limitations/implications The study relied on the self-reported responses in one university in each site. Data on the undergraduate students’ major and academic performance was not collected. Practical implications Job seekers are more likely to choose jobs and WCE that are similar to their personal work value orientation. The study underscores the importance of WV as important motivators in the workplace. Originality/value This study is the first to compare the WV, JQ and WCE across multiple nations. The study underscores the importance of JQ and WCE as important motivators in the workplace.


2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 86-101 ◽  
Author(s):  
André de Waal ◽  
Linde Peters ◽  
Merel Broekhuizen

Purpose Many researchers argue that the shared values of a generation affect people’s attitude, commitment, and ethics toward work. It is also argued that generational differences may cause tension between employees and with that prevent projects – such as a transition to a high performance organization (HPO) – from being completed successfully. The purpose of this paper is to examine whether generational differences in work values influence people’s perceptions of HPO, and if so, in what ways and how management could deal with it. The HPO Framework developed by de Waal (2012b) was used as a starting point for the study. Design/methodology/approach This study was performed at a Dutch multinational with a management trainee program. In this program, young talents, all belonging to Generation Y, followed a series of internships in various business units. A questionnaire on HPO was distributed among the trainees and their direct managers (all Generation Xers). The average scores for the five factors described in the HPO Framework were calculated for both groups. In addition, attention points were identified for the multinational, i.e. issues that needed to be addressed by the organization in order for it to become an HPO. The scores and the attention points were discussed in a workshop with both trainees and managers. Finally, the results of the workshop were analyzed and several weeks later presented by the authors to a larger audience, to validate the research findings. Findings The research results showed that there was a close match between the opinions of trainees (Generation Yers) and of managers (Generation Xers) concerning the general importance of the HPO factors, the organization’s performance on these factors, and the actions needed to improve on them. There were several explanations for the fact that generational differences did not influence the opinions of both generations on HPO. For example, the corporate culture in a multinational may be predominant over national culture, creating uniform thinking; or new employees adapt quickly to the organization and behave according to established patterns and thereby comply to the accepted way of thinking in the company. Research limitations/implications The practical implication of this study is that an organization does not have to target specific groups to convince people of the importance of HPO. It should be sufficient to hold an informative session for all staff on HPO before starting the joint HPO transition process. Originality/value This is the first study into how generational differences in work values could influence the opinions of various generations on HPO.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sophia Grill ◽  
Matthias Rosenbaum-Feldbrügge ◽  
Herbert Fliege ◽  
Heiko Rüger

PurposeDrawing on social learning theory (SLT), this study aims to investigate how previous cross-cultural work experience influences individual adjustment in a foreign environment over time. For this purpose, the authors study foreign service employees who are characterized by permanent high mobility and frequent rotations.Design/methodology/approachTwo cross-sectional surveys conducted in 2011 (analytical sample N = 1,097) and 2019 (analytical sample N = 1,431) amongst German Foreign Service (GFS) employees are used to analyse employees' adjustment, measured by self-perceived quality of life (QOL) and its development over time based on four time points. Locational adjustment trajectories serve as robustness checks.FindingsYounger and therefore less experienced employees fit J-shaped patterns of adjustment, while more experienced employees show rather flat adjustment curves. Accordingly, work experience matters and “one curve fits all” approaches do not suffice to explain adjustment over time. Moreover, neither more nor less experienced employees experienced U-trajectories as proposed by previous literature on business expatriates.Research limitations/implicationsThe study findings are based on cross-sectional surveys, but longitudinal designs should be preferred in future research.Practical implicationsSending institutions may develop special support systems for inexperienced expatriates prior to departure to weaken the negative impacts of culture shock.Originality/valueExisting literature only sparsely analysed adjustment and QOL for foreign service employees/diplomats so far. To the authors’ knowledge, no study analysed trajectories of adjustment over time for this population. This study profits from the analysis across two surveys. Both samples benefit from a high diversity, among others, regarding gender, age, education and host countries.


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