Work Ethic: analysis of differences between four generational cohorts
Abstract
Enterprises face the challenge of managing a multigenerational workforce which has its characteristics that differ in the value they grant to work. Incorporation of younger generations into the labour market requires to study all their attitudes towards work, contrasting them with previous generations. The purpose of this research was to analyse, through the Protestant Ethic construct, the differences of four age groups in attitudes towards work (Baby Boomers, Generation X, Generation Y, and Generation Z).
Cohorts grouped the sample of 624 Ecuadorians (BB 11.2%; Gen X 11.2%, Gen Y 58.5% and Gen Z 19.1%). The Multidimensional Work Ethic Profile (MWEP) was applied. The results showed that BB and Gen X believe more in the importance of work than generations Y and Z. At the same time, BB and Gen X are more tolerant to the unproductive use of time than generations Y and Z. Gen Z has higher scores than BB, Gen X and Gen Y in the postponement of rewards dimension. Besides, there are no meaningful differences in self-reliance, leisure and morality/ethics dimensions.
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