Search

The Impact of Generational Differences on Human Resource Management

Author(s)

Gao Xianghan

Affiliation(s)

Harbin University of Science and Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China

Abstract

This study explores the impact of generational differences on human resource management. With the rapid development of society, the employee groups within enterprises are becoming increasingly diverse. There are significant differences between different generations in work values, work motivation, work attitudes and needs, which in turn have a profound impact on human resource management practices such as recruitment, selection, training, and salary incentives. Evidence indicates that the differences in the needs of baby boomers, Generation X, Generation Y and Generation Z in terms of job stability, flexibility, work-life balance, and career development force companies to make personalized and flexible changes while formulating human resource management strategies. Generational differences also have a strong impact on employees' work behavior, performance, and organizational commitment, which leads companies to innovate and change management strategies to accommodate the universal interests of multi-generational employees. To this end, companies are required to adopt diversified strategies in recruitment, training, and salary incentives, and provide a flexible and inclusive working environment to increase employee satisfaction and the overall company's performance.

Keywords

Generational Differences; Human Resource Management; Recruitment and Selection; Training and Development; Compensation Incentives

References

[1] Parry, E., Urwin, P.: Generational categories: A broken basis for human resource management research and practice. Human Resource Management Journal (2021). [2] Benson, J., Brown, M.: Generations at work: are there differences and do they matter? The International Journal of Human Resource Management, 22, 1843 - 1865 (2011). [3] Eberz, F.: Generational differences in the workplace? Chapter in European HRM Handbook (2020). [4] Lasierra, J., Molina, J., Ortega, R.: Generational Differences at Work in Spain. The International Journal of Human Resource Management (2015). [5] Ng, E., Parry, E.: Multigenerational Research in Human Resource Management. Journal of Management Studies 34, 101-116 (2016). [6] Feng-xiang, L.: Generating Mechanism and Influence Factors of Generational Differences of Work Values in Workplace. Journal of Social Science of Harbin Normal University (2012). [7] Smola, K., Sutton, C. D.: Generational differences: revisiting generational work values for the new millennium. Journal of Organizational Behavior, 23, 363-382 (2002). [8] Queiri, A., Yusoff, W., Dwaikat, N.: Generation-Y Employees' Turnover: Work-Values Fit Perspective. International Journal of Biometrics 9, 199 (2014). [9] Twenge, J.: A Review of the Empirical Evidence on Generational Differences in Work Attitudes. Journal of Business and Psychology, 25, 201-210 (2010). [10] Kinger, N., Kumar, S.: Generational Differences in Work Values in the Workplace. Folia Oeconomica Stetinensia, 23, 204-221 (2023). [11] Becton, J., Walker, H. J., Jones-Farmer, A.: Generational Differences in Workplace Behavior. Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 44, 175-189 (2014). [12] Parry, E., Urwin, P.: Generational Differences in Work Values: A Review of Theory and Evidence. ERN: Other Organizations & Markets: Personnel Management (Topic) (2011). [13] Deshpande, S., Golhar, D.: HRM practices of Canadian and US manufacturing firms: An empirical investigation. Production Planning & Control, 8, 208-212 (1997). [14] Li, J., Samolejová, A., Čech, M., Lampa, M.: Comparison of HRM practices between Chinese and Czech companies. Perspectives on Science, 7, 2-5 (2016). [15] Melchor, M. P.: The Influence of HRM Practices on Employee Performance: A Study of Retail Establishments in a Municipality in the Philippines. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, (2024). [16] Ismail Nor, A.: Enhancing Employee Performance Through Human Resource Management Practices: A Review of Literature. (2018). [17] Shrestha, P., Krishna, D., Prajapati, M.: Human Resource Management Practices and Employee Retention. Journal of Balkumari College, (2023). [18] Hosain, S.: The Impact of E-HRM on Organizational Performance: Evidence from Selective Service Sectors of Bangladesh. Organizations & Markets: Policies & Processes eJournal, (2017).