problem solving
Effective Communication, the antidote to generational differences
In no way is the generational difference of employees problematic to a workplace, nor does it pose any harm as long as there is effective communication among generations, but the real situation among generations in workplaces is quite another thing. This essay aims to contribute to the investigation of the ‘real situation’ about generational differences in workplaces. Firstly, causes, which are the lack of understanding probably due to biases, common attitudes and tools of communication worth an in-depth investigation, followed by consequences of the problem, that is confusion, mistanding, and even confilcits of each other. Ultimately, solutions of the problem due to generational differences in a workplace will be delineated.
Communication is the conveying of ideas together with absorbing one’s opinions (Sinclair, 2001). ‘We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak’ – to communicate effectively, we should put effort into listening to and thus understanding each other (Epictetus). However, an effective communication is exactly what is lacking between different generations, which is one of the major problems in a workplace.
First of all, generations do not understand one another well probably due to each’s biases against the others: the idea that the older generations are stubborn and reluctant to accept new opinions is deep-rooted among Gen Y-ers, the younger generations, while Gen X-ers, the older generations deem that the youngsters nowadays are lackadaisical. What must not be overlooked is that the mass media has worsened the problem by developing terms like “70s’”, “80s’” and “90s’” that encompass stereotypical and generalizing qualities regarding each group, causing even greater prejudice towards different generations(Carey, 2010). All these cause ineffective generational communications to arise..
Moreover, a major difference in the generations’ working
In no way is the generational difference of employees problematic to a workplace, nor does it pose any harm as long as there is effective communication among generations, but the real situation among generations in workplaces is quite another thing. This essay aims to contribute to the investigation of the ‘real situation’ about generational differences in workplaces. Firstly, causes, which are the lack of understanding probably due to biases, common attitudes and tools of communication worth an in-depth investigation, followed by consequences of the problem, that is confusion, mistanding, and even confilcits of each other. Ultimately, solutions of the problem due to generational differences in a workplace will be delineated.
Communication is the conveying of ideas together with absorbing one’s opinions (Sinclair, 2001). ‘We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak’ – to communicate effectively, we should put effort into listening to and thus understanding each other (Epictetus). However, an effective communication is exactly what is lacking between different generations, which is one of the major problems in a workplace.
First of all, generations do not understand one another well probably due to each’s biases against the others: the idea that the older generations are stubborn and reluctant to accept new opinions is deep-rooted among Gen Y-ers, the younger generations, while Gen X-ers, the older generations deem that the youngsters nowadays are lackadaisical. What must not be overlooked is that the mass media has worsened the problem by developing terms like “70s’”, “80s’” and “90s’” that encompass stereotypical and generalizing qualities regarding each group, causing even greater prejudice towards different generations(Carey, 2010). All these cause ineffective generational communications to arise..
Moreover, a major difference in the generations’ working