Author Description

The interactions between generations have always been a lively discussion. However, in contemporary settings, the Baby Boomers, Gen X, and the newest group, Gen Y, are not just casually interacting but beginning to work together. As a result, there is a growing awkward awareness that a generational interdependence is beginning to evolve as older life experiences collide with new ways of doing things. These collisions are are forcing, even sometimes furstrating, these new exchange of ideas. As each generation recognizes its own socially defining moments, it also establishes the value structures and beliefs that define how each will approach the world around them. The conflicts presented by these socially defining moments create difficulties for effective employee interactions, efficient work processes, and productive management outcomes. Healthcare is one critical area where the need for greater understanding of generational perceptions is most important, especially for safe patient care. This work explores those differences and offers realistic strategies that work not only at the workplace but also within other social and personal settings.