Page 111 - Effective group discussion theory and practice by Adams, Katherine H. Brilhart, John K. Galanes, Gloria J

94 Chapter 4

TABLE 4.3 (continued)

Generation Major Influences Effects on Communication
Boomers Social and political upheavals of the Mistrust government and many
(1946 to 1964) 1960s (John and Robert Kennedy, social institutions
Beginning to leave the work Malcom X, Martin Luther King) Willing to challenge authority
force but remain in key Civil Rights movement Confident
leadership positions Women’s movement Willing to take on huge challenges
Development of the birth control pill (war on poverty, social justice,
Vietnam War and its divisiveness human rights)
Watergate and resignation of Large cohort: were catered to by
President Nixon marketers, so tend to be self-
absorbed, believe they are right,
feel free to break the rules when
they decide it’s best
Willing to work hard, long hours
(competing against their fellow
boomers)
Expect to be fulfilled in their work
X Generation The first latchkey generation, where Feel emotionally neglected
(1965 to 1981) both parents worked Higher suicide rates than other
Peaking of divorce rates generations
Somewhat ignored because they Want to prove themselves, but
fall between two huge cohorts boomers hold the good jobs and
Rise of AIDS and HIV are in the way
Rise of MTV, grunge, and hip hop Cynical
music Flexible
Rise of crack epidemic Used to change
Comfortable with pluralism
Committed to diversity; value
diversity more than conformity
Millennials Grew up with computers— first Confident: were truly “wanted” by
(1982 to 2000) “wired” generation their (sometimes helicopter)
AIDS has always been present parents
Death of Princess Diana Narcissistic
Experienced much collaborative Tolerant and open- minded
work during their schooling Digital natives: truly comfortable
Challenger and Columbia disasters with all forms of technology
Great Recession In constant touch with their friends
and family
Used to (and like) collaborative
work; comfortable in groups
Dislike bureaucracy and rules
Seek work- life balance

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