Research Article


DOI :10.26650/ibr.2020.49.0031   IUP :10.26650/ibr.2020.49.0031    Full Text (PDF)

Are Work Attitudes of Generations Myth or Real? Evidence from the United States and Turkey

Sait GurbuzIhsan Aytekin

Despite the increased attention paid to generational differences especially from practitioners and the popular press, systematic and empirical intergenerational research has been scarce, is largely North American centric, and lacks consistent results. The present study aimed to fill this gap by examining whether differences exist among generations in their key work and organizational attitudes, personal values, and work ethic values in the United States and Turkey. Survey data were gathered from 1019 employees (427 from the U.S. and 592 from Turkey). We found little evidence supporting substantive and significant generational differences or their association with key outcome variables. Furthermore, the U.S. originated classification of generations cannot be generalized to the Turkish business context.


PDF View

References

  • Appelbaum, S., Serena, M., & Shapiro, B. (2005). Generation “X and the boomers: An analysis of realities and myths, Management Research News, 28, 1–33. google scholar
  • Arthur, M. B., & Rousseau, D. M. (1994). Introduction: The boundaryless career as a new employment principle, in M.B. Arthur, & D.M. Rousseau, D.M., Ed. The boundaryless career: A new employment principle for a new organizational era, Oxford University Press. 3-20. google scholar
  • Barkey, H. J. (2019). The state and the industrialization crisis in Turkey, Routledge, New York. google scholar
  • Barnet, R. J., & Cavanaugh, J. (1994). Global Dreams: Imperial Corporations and the New World Order. New York: Simon and Schuster, google scholar
  • Benson, J., & Brown, M. (2011). Generations at work: are there differences and do they matter. The International Journal of Human Resource Management, 22, 1843–1865. google scholar
  • Blau, G., & Ryan, J. (1997). On measuring work ethic: A neglected work commitment facet, Journal of Vocational Behavior, 51, 435–448. google scholar
  • Brayfield, A. H., & Rothe, H. F. (1951). An index of job satisfaction. Journal of Applied Psychology, 3, 307–311. google scholar
  • Burke, M. E. (2005), SHRM Generational Differences Survey Report: A Study by the Society for Human Resource Management, Alexandria, VA: Society for Human Resource Management. google scholar
  • Cennamo, L., & Gardner, D. (2008). Generational differences in work values, outcomes and person-organization values fit. Journal of Managerial Psychology, 23, 891–906. google scholar
  • Choi, D., Oh, I. S., & Colbert, A. E. (2015). Understanding organizational commitment: A meta-analytic examination of the roles of the five-factor model of personality and culture. Journal of Applied Psychology, 100(5), 1542–1567. google scholar
  • Cogin, J. (2012). Are generational differences in work values fact or fiction? Multi-country evidence and implications. The International Journal of Human Resource Management, 23, 2268–2294. google scholar
  • Costanza, D. P., & Finkelstein, L. M. (2015). Generationally based differences in the workplace: Is there a there there? Industrial and Organizational Psychology: Perspectives on Science and Practice, 8(3), 1–27. google scholar
  • Costanza, D. P., Fraser, R. L., Badger, J. M., Severt, J. B., & Gade, P. A. (2012). Generational differences in work-related variables: A meta-analysis. Journal of Business Psychology, 27, 375–394. google scholar
  • Crumpacker, M., & Crumpacker, J.M. (2007). Succession planning and generational stereotypes: should hr consider age-based values and attitudes a relevant factor or a passing fad? Public Personnel Management, 36, 349–369. google scholar
  • Daboval, J. (1998), A comparison between baby boomers and generation X employees’ bases and foci of commitment, doctoral dissertation, Nova South Eastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL. google scholar
  • Egri, C. P. & Ralston, D. A. (2004). Generation cohorts and personal values: A comparison of China and the United States. Organization Science, 15, 210–220. google scholar
  • Erikson, E. (1997). The life cycle completed, New York: W.W. Norton. google scholar
  • Ferres, N., Travaglione, A., & Firns, I. (2003). Attitudinal differences between generation-X and older employees. International Journal of Organizational Behavior, 6, 320-333. google scholar
  • Furnham, A. (1990). A content, correlational, and factor analytic study of seven questionnaire measures of the Protestant work ethic. Human Relations, 43, 383–399. google scholar
  • Giancola, F. (2006). The generation gap: More myth than reality?. Human Resource Planning, 29, 32–37. google scholar
  • Gurbuz, S. (2009). Some possible antecedents of military personnel organizational citizenship behavior. Military Psychology, 21, 200–215. google scholar
  • Gurbuz, S. (2015). Kuşak farklılıkları: Mit mi, gerçek mi? (Generational differences: a myth or reality? İş ve İnsan Dergisi (The Journal of Work and Human), 2, 39–57. google scholar
  • Gurbuz, S., & Şahin, F. (2018). Sosyal bilimlerde araştırma yöntemleri-feselefe-yöntem-analiz (5.Baskı) Ankara: Seçkin. google scholar
  • Gürbüz, S. & Yıldırım-Bozkurt, H. (2019). Working in the hangar: The impact of psychological capital on work outcomes among army aircraft mechanics. Military Psychology, 31(1), 60–70. google scholar
  • Hess, N., & Jepsen, D. M. (2009). Career stage and generational differences in psychological contracts. Career Development International, 14 (3), 261–283. google scholar
  • Hirsch, P. M., & Shanley, M. (1996). The rhetoric of boundaryless – or, how the newly empowered managerial class bought into its own marginalisation. In M.B. Arthur & D.M. Rousseau (Eds.) The boundaryless career: A new employment principle for a new organizational era (pp.218–234). Oxford: Oxford University Press. google scholar
  • Hofstede, G. (1980). Culture's consequences: International differences in work-related values. Beverly Hills, CA: Sage. google scholar
  • Hofstede, G. (1984). Cultural dimensions in management and planning. Asia Pacific Journal of Management, 1(2), 81–99. google scholar
  • Hofstede, G., Hofstede, G. J., & Minkov, M. (2010). Cultures and organizations: Software of the mind. New York: McGraw Hill. google scholar
  • Inglehart, R. (1997). Modernization and postmodernization: cultural, economic, and political change in 43 societies, Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press. google scholar
  • Jöreskog, K. G., & Sörbom, D. (2015). LISREL 9.20 for Windows [Computer software]. Skokie, IL: Scientific Software International, Inc. google scholar
  • Jorgensen, B. (2003). Baby Boomers, Generation X and Generation Y: Policy implications for defence forces in the modern era. Foresight, 5, 41–49. google scholar
  • Jurkiewicz, C. E. & Brown, R. G. (1998). GenXers vs. Boomers vs Matures: Generational comparison of public employee motivation. Review of Public Personnel Administration, 18, 18–37. google scholar
  • Kacmar, K. M., & Ferris, G. R. (1989). Theoretical and methodological considerations in the age-job satisfaction relationship. Journal of Applied Psychology, 74, 201–207. google scholar
  • Kim, H-J., Knight, D., & Crutsinger, C. (2009). Generation Y employees’ retail work experience: Mediating effect of job characteristics on job outcomes. Journal of Business Research, 62, 548–556. google scholar
  • Kowske, B. J., Rasch, R., & Wiley, J. (2010). Millennials’ (lack of) attitude problem: An empirical examination of generational effects on work attitudes. Journal of Business and Psychology, 25, 265–279. google scholar
  • Kupperschmidt, B. (2000). Multi-deneration employees: Strategies for effective management, Health Care Manager, 19, 65–76. google scholar
  • LePine, J. A., Erez, A., & Johnson, D. E. (2002). A meta-analysis of the dimensionality of organizational citizenship behavior. Journal of Applied Psychology, 87, 52–65. google scholar
  • Lester, S. W., Standifer, R. L, Schultz, N. J., & Windsor, J. M. (2012). Actual versus perceived generational differences at work: An empirical examination. Journal of Leadership & Organizational Studies, 19, 341–354. google scholar
  • Locke, E. A. (1976). The nature and causes of job satisfaction. In M. D. Dunnette (Ed.), Handbook of industrial and organizational psychology (pp. 1297–1349). Chicago: Rand McNally. google scholar
  • Lub, X., Bijvank, M. N., Bal, P. M., Blomme, R., & Schalk, R. (2012). Different or alike? Exploring the psychological contract and commitment of different generations of hospitality workers. International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, 24, 553–573. google scholar
  • Maguire, S.R. (1993). Employer and occupational tenure: An update. Monthly Labor Review, June, 45–56. google scholar
  • Mannheim, K. (1952). The problem of generations. In K. Mannheim (Ed.), Essays on the Sociology of knowledge (pp. 276–322), London: Routledge. google scholar
  • Martin, C. A. (2005). From high maintenance to high productivity: what managers need to know about generation Y. Industrial and Commercial Training, 37, 39–44. google scholar
  • McGuire, D., Todnem, R., & Hutchings, K. (2007). Towards a model of human resource solutions for achieving intergenerational interaction in organizations. Journal of European Industrial Training, 31, 592–608. google scholar
  • McMullin, J., Comeau, T., & Jovic, W. (2007). Generational affinities and discourses of difference: A case study of highly skilled information technology workers. British Journal of Sociology, 58, 297–316. google scholar
  • Meglino, B. M., & Ravlin, E.C. (1998). Individual values in organizations: concepts, controversies, and research. Journal of Management, 24, 351–389. google scholar
  • Meyer, J. P., Allen, N. J., & Smith, C. A. (1993). Commitment to organizations and occupation: Extensions and test of a three-component conceptualization. Journal of Applied Psychology, 78, 538–551. google scholar
  • Meyer, J. P., Stanley, D. J., Herscovitch, L., & Topolnytsky, L. (2002). Affective, continuance, and normative commitment to the organization: A meta-analysis of antecedents. google scholar
  • Miller, M. J., Woehr, D. J., & Hudspeth, N. (2002). The meaning and measurement of work ethic: construction and initial validation of a multidimensional inventory. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 60, 451–489. google scholar
  • Myers, K., & Sadaghiani, K. (2010). Millennials in the workplace: A communication perspective on Millennials’ organizational relationships and performance. Journal of Business & Psychology, 25, 225–238. google scholar
  • Nadler, D., & Tushman, M. (1980). A model for diagnosing organizational behavior. Organizational Dynamics, 9, 35–51. google scholar
  • Ng, T. W. H., & Feldman, D. C. (2008). The relationship of age to ten dimensions of job performance. Journal of Applied Psychology, 93, 392–422. google scholar
  • Ng, T.W. H. & Feldman, D. C. (2010). The relationships of age with job attitudes: A metaanalysis. Personnel Psychology, 63, 677–718. google scholar
  • Organ, D. W., Podsakoff, P. M., & MacKenzie, S. B. (2006). Organizational citizenship behavior: Its nature, antecedents, and consequences. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, Inc. google scholar
  • Parry, E., & Urwin, P. (2010). Generational differences in work values: A review of theory and evidence. International Journal of Management Reviews, 13, 79–96. google scholar
  • Podsakoff, P. M., MacKenzie, S. B., & Podsakoff, N. P. (2012). Sources of method bias in social science research and recommendations on how to control it. Annual Review of Psychology, 63, 539–569. google scholar
  • Raineri, N., Paille, P., & Morin, D. (2012). Organizational citizenship behavior: An intergenerational study. Revue Internationale de Psychologie Sociale, 25, 147–177. google scholar
  • Robinson, S.L., & Morrison, E.W. (2000). The development of psychological contract breach and violation: a longitudinal study. Journal of Organizational Behavior, 21, 525-546. google scholar
  • Robinson, S.L., & Rousseau, D.M. (1994). Violating the psychological contract: Not the exception but the norm. Journal of Organizational Behavior, 15(3), 245–259. google scholar
  • Schamm, J. (2004). Age groups mostly in accord. HR Magazine, 49, 208. google scholar
  • Schwartz, S. H. (1994). Are there universal aspects in the content and structure of values? Journal of Social Issues, 50, 19–45. google scholar
  • Schwartz, S. H., & Bardi, A. (2001). Value hierarchies across cultures: Taking a similarities perspective. Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology, 32, 268–290. google scholar
  • Smith, C. A., Organ, D. W., & Near, J. P. (1983). Organizational citizenship behavior: Its nature and antecedents. Journal of Applied Psychology, 68, 653–663. google scholar
  • Spector, P. E. (2006). Method variance in organizational research: Truth or urban legend? Organizational Research Methods, 9, 21–232. google scholar
  • Smola, K. W. & Sutton, C. D. (2002). Generational differences: revisiting generational work values for the new millennium, Journal of Organizational Behavior, 23, 363–382. google scholar
  • Steel, P., & Taras, V (2010). Culture as a consequence: A multi-level multivariate meta-analysis of the effects of individual and country characteristics on work-related cultural values. Journal of International Management, 16, 211–233. google scholar
  • Turnley, W.H., & Feldman, D.C. (1999). The impact of psychological contract violations on exit, voice, loyalty, and neglect. Human Relation, 52(7), 895–922. google scholar
  • TUİK: https://biruni.tuik.gov.tr/medas/?kn=72&locale=tr (Access date: 17.03.2020) google scholar
  • Twenge, J. M. (2010). A review of empirical evidence on generational differences in work attitudes. Journal of Business Psychology, 25, 201–210. google scholar
  • Twenge, J. M., Konrath, S., Foster, J. D., Campbell, W. K., & Bushman, B. J. (2008). Further evidence of an increase in narcissism among college students. Journal of Personality, 76, 919–927. google scholar
  • Wallace, J. (2006). Work commitment in the legal profession: A study of baby boomers and generation Xers. International Journal of the Legal Profession, 13, 137–151. google scholar
  • Wasti, S. A. (2003). Organizational commitment, turnover intentions and the influence of cultural values. Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology, 76(3), 303–321. google scholar
  • Weber, M. (1958). The Protestant ethic and the spirit of capitalism (Translated by T. Parsons). New York: Scribner. google scholar
  • Westerman, J. W., & Yamamura, J. H. (2007). Generational preferences for work environment fit: Effects on employee outcomes, Career Development International, 12, 150–161. google scholar
  • Yu, H. & Miller, P. (2005). Leadership style: The X generation and baby boomers compared in different cultural contexts. Leadership and Organization Development Journal, 26, 35–50. google scholar
  • Youssef, C. M., & Luthans, F. (2007). Positive organizational behavior in the workplace: The impact of hope, optimism, and resilience. Journal of Management, 33, 774–800. google scholar

Citations

Copy and paste a formatted citation or use one of the options to export in your chosen format


EXPORT



APA

Gurbuz, S., & Aytekin, I. (2020). Are Work Attitudes of Generations Myth or Real? Evidence from the United States and Turkey. Istanbul Business Research, 49(2), 248-270. https://doi.org/10.26650/ibr.2020.49.0031


AMA

Gurbuz S, Aytekin I. Are Work Attitudes of Generations Myth or Real? Evidence from the United States and Turkey. Istanbul Business Research. 2020;49(2):248-270. https://doi.org/10.26650/ibr.2020.49.0031


ABNT

Gurbuz, S.; Aytekin, I. Are Work Attitudes of Generations Myth or Real? Evidence from the United States and Turkey. Istanbul Business Research, [Publisher Location], v. 49, n. 2, p. 248-270, 2020.


Chicago: Author-Date Style

Gurbuz, Sait, and Ihsan Aytekin. 2020. “Are Work Attitudes of Generations Myth or Real? Evidence from the United States and Turkey.” Istanbul Business Research 49, no. 2: 248-270. https://doi.org/10.26650/ibr.2020.49.0031


Chicago: Humanities Style

Gurbuz, Sait, and Ihsan Aytekin. Are Work Attitudes of Generations Myth or Real? Evidence from the United States and Turkey.” Istanbul Business Research 49, no. 2 (Apr. 2024): 248-270. https://doi.org/10.26650/ibr.2020.49.0031


Harvard: Australian Style

Gurbuz, S & Aytekin, I 2020, 'Are Work Attitudes of Generations Myth or Real? Evidence from the United States and Turkey', Istanbul Business Research, vol. 49, no. 2, pp. 248-270, viewed 27 Apr. 2024, https://doi.org/10.26650/ibr.2020.49.0031


Harvard: Author-Date Style

Gurbuz, S. and Aytekin, I. (2020) ‘Are Work Attitudes of Generations Myth or Real? Evidence from the United States and Turkey’, Istanbul Business Research, 49(2), pp. 248-270. https://doi.org/10.26650/ibr.2020.49.0031 (27 Apr. 2024).


MLA

Gurbuz, Sait, and Ihsan Aytekin. Are Work Attitudes of Generations Myth or Real? Evidence from the United States and Turkey.” Istanbul Business Research, vol. 49, no. 2, 2020, pp. 248-270. [Database Container], https://doi.org/10.26650/ibr.2020.49.0031


Vancouver

Gurbuz S, Aytekin I. Are Work Attitudes of Generations Myth or Real? Evidence from the United States and Turkey. Istanbul Business Research [Internet]. 27 Apr. 2024 [cited 27 Apr. 2024];49(2):248-270. Available from: https://doi.org/10.26650/ibr.2020.49.0031 doi: 10.26650/ibr.2020.49.0031


ISNAD

Gurbuz, Sait - Aytekin, Ihsan. Are Work Attitudes of Generations Myth or Real? Evidence from the United States and Turkey”. Istanbul Business Research 49/2 (Apr. 2024): 248-270. https://doi.org/10.26650/ibr.2020.49.0031



TIMELINE


Submitted01.06.2019
First Revision04.03.2020
Last Revision24.03.2020
Accepted02.08.2020
Published Online30.10.2020

LICENCE


Attribution-NonCommercial (CC BY-NC)

This license lets others remix, tweak, and build upon your work non-commercially, and although their new works must also acknowledge you and be non-commercial, they don’t have to license their derivative works on the same terms.


SHARE




Istanbul University Press aims to contribute to the dissemination of ever growing scientific knowledge through publication of high quality scientific journals and books in accordance with the international publishing standards and ethics. Istanbul University Press follows an open access, non-commercial, scholarly publishing.