Generational Shifts: Values, Work Ethic, and the Impact of Technology on Today's Workforce

Name: Generational Shifts: Values, Work Ethic, and the Impact of Technology on Today's Workforce
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Author: Daniel Kim

Analysis of generational differences in work and technology use.

Daniel Kim

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Generational Shifts: Values, Work Ethic, and the Impact of Technology on
Today's Workforce
Values may be self-governing, but they do change with time. The link between
personality, values, and work ethic is difficult to decipher. Your basic makeup is with you
in every situation, especially in your organization. Have your values changed as you
have matured, or have they stayed the same? Do you have different values than your
parents or siblings? How do values affect the cohesiveness of the workplace?
When you think about values, consider your values around work, play, time, and quality
of life. Do some research and reflection here. Are the differences between generations
and work expectations vastly different? What are some changing values that come to
mind?
What are some values that guide your performance every day? Can you give examples of
those in action?
Our text authors talked about 'right fit' when it comes to people and organizations. Why
is this important for retention and organizational success?
Q1 As of the guard changes... Professor Ridinger 8/30/2012 7:23:20 PM
When you think about values, consider your values around work, play, time, and quality of life. Do some
research and reflection here. Are the differences between generations and work expectations vastly
different? What are some changing values that come to mind?

RE: Q1 As of the guard changes... Mitsie Rowe 9/19/2012 9:45:59 PM
It is said that each generation have some form of attributes that can be used to identify the group they
belong to, apart from their age;
Perceived membership:The self-perception of membership within a generation that begins during
adolescence and coalesces during young adulthood.
Common beliefs and behaviors:The attitudes (toward family, career, personal life, politics, religion, etc.)
and behaviors (choices made in regard to jobs, marriage, children, health, crime, sex, drugs, etc.) that
characterize a generation.
Common location in history: The turning points in historical trends (e.g., from liberal to conservative
politics) and significant events (e.g., the Vietnam War) that occur during a generation’s formative years
(adolescence and young adulthood).
These attributes are indication to me that there would be some difference in generation and work
expectations. I am considered to be from Generation X, my daughter Net generation and my mom Baby
Boomer. Although we are from same culture I find we not only view things differently but we actually
have different expectations in regards to work. I read an article online by University of Georgia titled "D
generational differences matters in instructional design" included was a table I found most interesting
which I will share.
http://itforum.coe.uga.edu/Paper104/ReevesITForumJan08.pdf

RE: Q1 As of the guard changes... Bobby VanGilder 9/19/2012 8:10:24 PM
The first thing that comes to mind here are the expectations of work between younger and older
generations. Having worked in a variety of industries and with a vast array of people, I've noticed that
the older generation (40-60) tend to be more serious at work and want to get their work done with little
distractions as possible. However, the younger generation (18-35) seem to like to socialize and are more
relaxed with their work ethics. This is especially true in the IT industry with the majority of us being 22-
30 years old. (We have a nerf basketball hoop in our office, for example).
RE: Q1 As of the guard changes... Mohamed Aghrissa 9/18/2012 10:58:22 PM
Each generation has a different approach to how it views the workplace. The Silent Generation tended
to conform and not question authority; 95 percent of this generation, by the way, has already retired,
although some remain in high-level positions. The baby boomers, the group that is now running most
companies, tend to very optimistic and idealistic. They are typically overachievers and work long hours.
RE: Q1 As of the guard changes... Gena Woods 9/18/2012 10:15:12 PM
My family has always had a strong work ethic. Work hard - play hard. I am similar in that way. I have
noticed that job security is seemingly non existent anymore. I am a loyal employee that is not always
"shopping around" for a new job while I am in my job. The jobs I am referring are jobs that I had hoped
to move up and stay until retirement. Nowadays it seems that people are getting laid off right before
they hit retirement… this makes me nervous to dedicate myself to one place. It makes me want to start
my own business so I can control it somehow. People who work at a job are so replaceable it seems.
Much like a number, when yours comes up it is time to exit. Many generations ago, women were looked
down upon if they worked. Even before that they were not allowed to have official work. They could
cook and clean, but anything more than that was not allowed. After women's rights and all the other
races began being seen as equal, there were more people out in the workforce and many who did not
want to do manual labor, but wanted to do something more prestigious. More different types of people
are going to college in hopes of the American Dream. I have lost sight of the American dream. I have too
much information and too many paths to choose from it seems impossible for a kid in a candy store to
focus on one kind of candy when inundated with options. In the past, most sons would do what their
dad did. If his dad was a banker then he would be a banker. My values generally follow the Bible's moral

code. I was raised with it, but I have reinterpreted it for myself and the life I can see. I believe people
should work hard as if they own the company, but unfortunately the company does not treat their
employees as such. This is a hard question and one that I will continue to think about . I am in a strange
place in my life as I am almost 40 and having to retrain in a different work field because I am injured and
it will not get better. I feel betrayed by the company who fired me after I became disabled working for
them all evening fixing their network. My values haven't changed a lot over time, but my bubble was
popped as I had thought of myself there until I retired.
People still appreciate an honest worker. It is something that people can see and feel no matter the era
or generation. Having a set of great values is timeless and all people with good values like to have
others around with good values…. But figuring out who has good values is difficult.
RE: Q1 As of the guard changes... Professor Ridinger 9/23/2012 7:50:46 PM
Doing a solid, honest job in any professional activity usually reduces unwanted stress and worry. Great
values that are timeless across generations are regarded as human virtues.
RE: Q1 As of the guard changes... Cristina Lopez 9/18/2012 7:54:02 PM
I will say that the values are not the ones that changes I think what it changes is the people and their
believes or their attitude to develop work, things at home or with friends. For instance some years ago
we didn't have so much technology that now we have and makes everything easier. For example at work
mostly was done manually, you had to track your work hrs in a paper as well as making reports manually
of work, now you could one report in the computer and send it via email to multiple persons which save
time. With family, if you had family far away to get contacted with them you had to make letters now
there is many ways to communicate with them. The values and beliefs doesn't change, what it change is
the way we do things.

RE: Q1 As of the guard changes... Roger Smith 9/18/2012 5:28:54 PM
My Perception of Generation values. Yes there is a big difference in generations from Boomers to the Z
generation. I am lucky had have two complete sets of generation children. I see differences in both.
Remembering my grandparents, parents, children and now grandchildren I see big changes in how the
world is perceived. The work ethic and compassions of others too have changed. A generation of the
early 1900’s was a lot more stringent than that of today. I think this is in part due to technology
advances that allow a person to work smarter, not harder. Generations of the early 1900 have had a lot
of manual labor about them; while today we rely on computers and machines to do all the hard work.
A lot of this change is a result of advancements in technology, which is making the world seem smaller
and more competitive. There are numerous ways to communicate today than there was during the time
of my grandparents.
RE: Q1 As of the guard changes... Professor Ridinger 9/23/2012 7:28:09 PM
Yes, we have come a very long way in the past few generations since the Freudian era (late 1800's - early
1900's). Each generation inherits and creates their own driving and sustaining core values out of
necessity. Additionally, every generation essentially faces a new dynamic world with challenges both
small and large never encountered before. The overarching culture helps to keep the inhabitants moving
along the collective course with a sense of purpose.
RE: Q1 As of the guard changes... Corey Miller 9/18/2012 2:45:02 PM
Well mostly they are the same, at least in a customer service job. At work, you pretty much want to
always be nice to your customers and coworkers and hopefully they are always happy and are happy
when they leave. Same as at home, you want to try and keep the homelife in a good standing, nice to
family and friends, organized, etc.

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RE: Q1 As of the guard changes... Quame Tyson 9/18/2012 3:27:19 PM
I would have to say the values throughout time has changed. Not a whole heap but there are a few
things, to me, that my generation does differently. I tend to think about my grandmother when this
subject comes up. She was the record keeper for my high school and from when I was young, I realized
that back then being computer savvy wasn't as important as it is now but despite that her way of
accomplishing tasks given to her was more driven and dedicated to me anyway. Now today with my
generation at least I feel like we are mainly about just getting it done more than the experience and care
that should be put into it.
RE: Q1 As of the guard changes... Brittany Bergstedt 9/21/2012 11:54:24 PM
Your absolutely right social values have changed from generation; this is evident by the technological
changes your grandmother had to endure being the record keeper.
I also think sexual values have changed; now on any given TV show you can see sex portrayed freely. Just
a decade ago I love Lucy showed their characters sleeping in separate beds, and displayed more
conservative family values than in today’s society.
RE: Q1 As of the guard changes... Carissa Cardona 9/18/2012 7:12:35 PM
Quame I agree. I think that today we put more of a focus on rushing around and getting things done
rather than taking our time and focusing on our quality of life. I feel that our workforce has been more
focused on production and efficiency rather than taking the proper amount of time to do something
properly and produce a top of the line product. However, I do also feel that we are starting to change
our focus again. In my professional life we are focusing on how we can work smarter. Eliminating extra

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steps and redundant tracking so that we have more time to invest in our customers and making sure
their needs are met.
~Carissa
RE: Q1 As of the guard changes... John Bailey 9/18/2012 6:07:56 AM
I believe that the differences between generations and work expectations, quite honestly are not vastly
different. These differences may actually seem to vary immensely, but the way I see it is that now its just
sought and achieved at a higher level. In the past people worked hard to be able to relax whereas now it
seems that people still work harder and longer, but they also play harder and longer. Interms of values I
believe that back then it was more about quality whereas now it seems to be more a quantity based
economy.
RE: Q1 As of the guard changes... Professor Ridinger 9/21/2012 8:21:46 AM
I agree. In most cultures, the generational differences in values and conduct are more often in style
rather than in kind.
RE: Q1 As of the guard changes... Brenda Houston 9/18/2012 10:16:22 PM
This reminds me of a conversation I was having with a friend of mine the other day. He was talking
about an episode of Mountain Men where this guy that looked like the typical hillbilly was living in the
mountains, but was totally self-sufficient. He had devised a pumping system to pump water through a
pipeline that went into his house to provide fresh water for him. It even had a filtration system made
from the natural resources available. The stream powered a saw mill so that he could build whatever he
needed and also provided electricity for his home. My friend was saying that this guy was really smart to
have been able to do all this. I told him, what we do not realize, anymore is that back in the old days,

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people had to be multi-talented. In order to survive, a farmer had to be able to know how to water his
crops, get water to his house, and find the resources to maintain a family. It was a necessity, and School
was not the focus of a young person's life, as they learned more from working the land with their family
than in a school. Today, we have developed a society that has forgotten how to be self-sufficient. We
have reached a point to where everything is so specialized, that we have to be inter-dependent for
survival. We depend on schools to educate our youth and then them going to college to specialize in
some field to make their contribution. Part of this is due to technology, but part is also due to people
wanting to be individuals.
RE: Q1 As of the guard changes... Anabel Arteaga 9/19/2012 11:45:06 AM
that is really true people are not self sufficient nowadays they expect things to be done already for
them, they expect not to think because someone else will do it for them. A long time ago people evelop
technology to help us but in some ways it has actually hinder us a bit.
RE: Q1 As of the guard changes... Michael Duru 9/17/2012 10:56:31 PM
It's important to know what personal values we want to achieve in life, on and off the job. i always
prefer to be a determine and a goal getter at work. i put all my heart in my career because i am so
passionate about it thats what drives me forward and earn me my position ranking at work. the most
important thing to me his my family.i want the freedom and flexibility of a single life and all the rewards
of a loving spouse and children.
RE: Q1 As of the guard changes... Michael Estel 9/17/2012 6:47:44 AM
I feel as though I was brought up with pretty good values in life and it has made a big difference in my
work environment because I work hard and get rewarded for my efforts. I think that there are a lot of
differences between generations such as ideas, values, methods of getting things done, and

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communication. For employers, this makes it more difficult in training and producing motivational
techniques that can be applied to all of the varied generations in gaining positive results.
http://www.fdu.edu/newspubs/magazine/05ws/generations.htm
RE: Q1 As of the guard changes... Jennifer Paschal 9/17/2012 11:14:55 AM
I have a strong work ethic, I give more than is expected and I go the extra mile. I work with integrity,
doing the right thing even when no one is watching. I am loyal to my company and respectful to
authority. My mother never worked. My brother and I have adopted the work ethics of my father. We
work hard, we take pride in a job well done, and we dont ask for recognition we just do it because it is
the right thing to do and it represents me. I will tell you that the new work force want everything for
nothing. They feel a sense of entitlement that makes me angry. Many workers today feel we owe it to
them to provide them with hours and benefits no matter how lazy they are or what kind of work they
produce. Many years ago people worked for their companies a lifetime, retired with tenure and
pensions. These days people jump ship when times get tough, they are just not invested in their careers.
(relationships and loyalty have changed completely the past few decades.)
RE: Q1 As of the guard changes... Professor Ridinger 9/18/2012 2:21:39 PM
A helpful vignette for all of us Jennifer. Taking stock in yourself from time to time is worth doing. It
provides a centering attitude for a moderately high level of general motivation.
A "strong work ethic" is about a person committing to professionalism in both words and deeds for the
role taken. The standards required for the work at hand become, at a minimum, one's own.

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RE: Q1 As of the guard changes... Anabel Arteaga 9/17/2012 2:48:03 PM
I really do think that there is a difference when it comes to work ethic between generations.I have a
strong work ethic and I can see that some of the people I work with who are younger don't really work
as hard but still expect to get everything. I can even say that I have seen it in my family, my uncles
worked long hours, no benefits low pay and my cousins complain about working a part time job or a job
that is 9- 5 and good income. They complain about silly things, call in sick or expect to get a raise or a
bonus, even though they don't try to do more than what is expected.
Well I think a changing value is work ethic, people want everything for nothing, they want the nice pay
with none of the work. I also think a value that has changed is honesty in people it seems that people
are more prone to be deceiving. I mean you can see that has caused a lot of problems in companies not
being truthful to people and just to make a quick dollar.
Your personality and values John Bailey 9/16/2012 3:33:31 PM
I believe that in myself, my values have stayed the same as I have matured. With the way my parents are
I would say that I have actually adopted their values. My siblings on the other hand seem to have a
different set of values. Values could affect the workplace negatively by having counteracting values
which could lead to horrible production. The positive side is that you could have a high productivity and
quality.
Values Ryan Cisowski 9/17/2012 3:38:47 PM
To be honest for me, I m not sure if they have changed per say. I think they might have evolved and
gotten stronger. Things like family and friends have only become more important to me as I have gotten
older. My relationship with my sister especially has gotten stronger I think now that we are both in our
20's and have matured a bit.

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RE: Values Professor Ridinger 9/18/2012 2:26:56 PM
Yes, as we evolve down our developmental path in life, so do some of our guiding values. We tend to
become less self-centered and more concerned about the wants and needs of others along the way. The
appreciation for the joy of giving back to others remains a virtue for the maturing self.
RE: Values Jennifer Paschal 9/18/2012 7:55:54 PM
Yes I actually just gave notice and will start a new job OCt. 1. My only reason for leaving my current
position is for more time with my family. Same job, same pay just less hours in the private sector vs
corporate. I would never have gone private when I was younger. But now the time with my family is
what I cherish.
RE: Values Jose Lopez 9/19/2012 12:02:32 PM
I'm actually going through a similar situation, where I work I work second shift and this past month I
have been trying to go to first shift by applying any position even though the pay is less but as long as I
get to move to first in order so I could spent time with my family in the afternoon the pay doesn't
matter.
RE: Values Cristina Lopez 9/19/2012 3:15:10 PM
My values that my parents teach me were to be honest, responsible and always do what I think will help
me to success. The values they teach me have help me to be a responsible person, be honest and have
respect for other. These values help me in my work because I could respect someone else ideas and to
be responsible which have help me to keep improving in my job. In my personal life I am trying to share

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the same values to my kinds, I want them to be responsible and honest as well as to have respect for
others. I want them to succeed in life.
RE: Values Ryan Cisowski 9/18/2012 4:45:29 PM
Funny you say that, when christams time rolls around I think about cool gift ideas for others now and
when people ask me what I want I just say surprise me.
RE: Values Mitsie Rowe 9/20/2012 9:51:09 PM
I totally agree with you Professor, at one of my previous job as a CNA we had such bad situation at work
hat after awhile I felt like a failure and hated the system so much I left. When I first started working all
seem well and I was really excited, after about six month we were informed that there would be a
change in management. The new Director had a meeting with us he seem so concerned about what was
really happening on the floors that I was impress. Shortly after I notice changes: there were always
shortage of materials to work with. Sometimes I had to walk from the first to seventh floor at nights
looking for things like: sheets, blanket, and chucks, there were signs in the storage rooms "two pack of
wash cloth to a CNA" (one CNA had 19 patient). Worst of all we had to wake the residents at 4am to
start washing, some were taken out of bed as early as 5 am and place in chairs in the dinning room (I felt
so bad especially when it was cold, and they protested however it was a choice between pleasing them
or management)
These were some of the situation that had me frustrated, some of my co- workers reaction was "I
cannot make bread out of stone so am working with what am given". I always ask myself ' what if you
were in their position, how would I want to be treated?" I knew These residents could have gotten
better care, and I was prepared to do so but my hands were tied. Then Management would have
meeting after meetings and we would explain our frustration but all we got were promises that was
never kept. I left that job and went to work where I was getting $8.95 less, but my work load was lighter,
I had adequate material to work with and enough time to socialize with the patients after and during
care. Maturity do bring selflessness, and I believe healthcare is for people with hearts. We have lost
sight of what is important, and have commercialize heath care in such a way that in most situation its
more about the bottom - line than Wellness.

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Personality and Values Roger Smith 9/17/2012 5:31:42 PM
Yes my values have changed over the years. I was raised with the vision that I would go to work at one
place and grow a career in that one place as did previous generations of my family. It did not matter
what job you got, you took it and felt thankful for it. As hard as I tried I could not live to that vision. I
always believed there was something better for me. It took me years to figure that out, but today I am
wiser, better skilled and more decisive as to what I want in life. This sets me apart from my parents and
some of my siblings. As for basic core values (honesty, integrity and contribution to society) I believe my
parents did well instilling good moral code within me.
My cohesiveness in the workplace has grown too. With a better position to achieve what I want I can
easier plan a path to get there. I can now work with the company to better it, at the same time better
myself by achieving my own personal career goals.
Values Brenda Gray 9/17/2012 7:18:34 PM
I found an article that talks about values that affect the cohesiveness of the workplace. It talks about
values like teamwork, innovation, honesty, integrity, and a strong work ethic. A work environment that
values teamwork helps employees come together to solve problems. Values such as honesty, integrity,
and a strong work ethic motivates employees to do their best.
Information via http://smallbusiness.chron.com/values-affect-cohesiveness-workplace-10363.html
Evolving Values Brittany Bergstedt 9/17/2012 7:52:20 PM

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In my opinion values and ethics are rooted in the same tree, these affect all aspects of your daily life
whether it is personal or work related. An individual is always evolving, adapting to new environments,
and changing to the socio-cultural demands of society; thus transforming a person’s moral belief. Values
are fluctuating, this means not only for the good but for the bad as well. For example CEO’s of
companies caught embezzling or insider trading, what happened to their ethics? What circumstance
caused such a substantial shift in morals? These are things to consider in the work place, will the
power/pressure of being a leader change your decision/ reasoning ability?
Society, family, and cultural circumstances weigh heavily on how a person will react in various
situations. For instance my sense of family values is completely different that someone who was raised
in the Foster care system. I come from a large family there are seven kids and I am the second oldest; I
pride myself on caring for my little brothers and sisters making sure they get to and from school, are
eating properly, completed their school work. We as a family make sure all of our basic needs are met. A
person that grew up without a close nit family may lack the values of compassion or camaraderie that
my brother and sisters all have. They also may suffer from poor social skills because they were not
developed as a child because they weren’t exposed to those particular circumstances. Will theses traits
change over time; will you always have a base set of moarls and just continue to add to them?
RE: Evolving Values Professor Ridinger 9/19/2012 5:22:46 PM
Nicely stated. Our evolving values are like vines i.e., they tend to gain in strength, form, and purpose
over time. We also need to be aware of that one's current morals may or may not be ethical.
personal values Michael Duru 9/17/2012 11:06:09 PM
My personal values impact my performance in the workplace because I value integrity. I will not work in
a situation that compromises my beliefs or values. I will also not work in a place that treats people
cruelly or unjustly. I value hard work, and it is shown in my performance in the workplace. I also value
creativity, wisdom, and personal enrichment, and I like to work in places where I can learn things.

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RE: personal values Brittany Bergstedt 9/20/2012 5:01:39 PM
I think you hit the nail on the head; integrity is a huge driving force in office ethics. This help you
effectively communicate with all levels of management and safeguards you from being negatively
influenced to participate in any questionable activities.
In my business class were investigating circumstances where lower level employees were encouraged to
change financial records by CEO’s of various companies. These individuals were than later prosecuted
criminally.
Values Anabel Arteaga 9/18/2012 5:07:21 PM
I think my values have definitely matured they have evolved into being more family centered. I think
what used to matter more to me when I was younger is not what matters to me now, I am more
responsible and more generous. My values do differ from my sisters I am more responsible more
practical and more reliable. Values can have a big effect in the workplace it means the difference
between having a reliable coworker or an honest worker to a person who values none of these and is
always late and lies about everything, You will always have problems with people who have low values
because they don't' care about anything much less trying to satisfy a customer of meet a deadline when
their value system is very poor.
Your Personality and values Marcus Freeman 9/18/2012 8:26:08 PM
I think all human go through stages of evolution as they get older now the evolution can move a person
to a higher level of maturity or a person can regress in their level of maturity or remain neutral on
progression at all. Personally my values have change as I have gotten older but not in a drastic way just
minor tweaks here and their but for the most part the have remain pretty consistent now I'm not sure if

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