Discussion: View Thread

Hello - I have been asked to conduct a workshop to highlight differences in values, attittudes, etc. across different generations of workers (baby boomers, gen. X., gen. Y, etc.) and was wondering if anyone has anything they could share with me?  I am looking for interesting exercises (group discussions, role plays, etc.).

Thanks in advance,

Susan Stewart

Hi, Susan.

For a great experiential exercise that highlights generational differences, check out this article:

Meisel, Steven I., & Fearon, David S. (2007). Teaching a new generation: The differences are not trivial, Organization Management Journal 4, 287-298.

Here's the abstract: "As organizational behavior learners apply managerial knowledge in classroom exercises or in the field, the hidden knowledge they hold of the cultural context of these applications works spontaneously to create meaning. This contextual knowledge is developed profoundly in our formative years; thus tacit experiential knowledge differs by generation. Today's college-aged Millennials see organizational life and OB theory differently than yesterday's Gen X, or Baby Boomer cohorts. These differences are revealed in an exercise using the vintage (1982) and current editions of the board game Trivial Pursuit. This activity asks learners to find the presence of generationally-cultivated knowledge in their daily lives and consider its effect on their use of OB theory. The experiential exercise is also linked to field interviews and other activities related to understanding generational differences in world view."

J

Debbie