| "> | | | | are entering an age where things are less certain (and |
| History has defined a series of generations such as | | | | hence anything is possible) and which will breed a new |
| the Silent Generation, Baby Boomers, Generation X, | | | | classification of human being. They will be innovators in |
| Generation Y and now Generation Z. Generation Y | | | | the true sense of the word, choosing to be adaptable |
| are the children of Generation X and are now in their | | | | and flexible in their home lives as well as at work. |
| late teens to early twenties, the University and College | | | | Unlike their predecessors, Generation Why? Will be |
| students of today. As far as technology was | | | | asking tough questions such as 'Why must we do |
| concerned they went from geek to chic. Generation X | | | | things in this way?', 'Why do we have to make a |
| grew up as technology and the internet was | | | | mess of the planet?', 'Why won't you listen to me?'. |
| mushrooming and Generation Y simply went gadget | | | | They will be like constantly inquisitive teenagers and |
| mad. They grew up in times of economic prosperity | | | | using their skills and imagination to get what they want. |
| and so created a different outlook on life. Don't like | | | | Being slightly less materialistic than Generation X they |
| your job, then go and get another? Want to work | | | | will be willing to put in more effort at work, but only if it |
| from home, no problem? | | | | matches their own goals and aspirations. |
| Generation Y is more brand and image conscious, | | | | Sounds like a nightmare? Not at all. There is a |
| they are more likely to have addictions and undesirable | | | | generation who are able and willing to look at things |
| habits, they exhibit less loyalty to employers and their | | | | differently and get off their backsides. Great things can |
| family units are prone to breaking down. | | | | be achieved but only if these people are 'managed' in |
| Next comes Generation Z, or 'Generation Why?' as I | | | | the right way i.e. given the right resources, intrinsically |
| like to call it. The world has changed very rapidly of | | | | motivated and contained within 'light touch' |
| late. We have seen the power of developing countries | | | | management systems. This will be a challenge for |
| such as India, China and Brazil as well as global | | | | Managers and Human Resources specialists but the |
| warming, famine, the collapse of financial systems and | | | | results will be worth waiting for and help is already at |
| now the election of a black American president. We | | | | hand to start the process. |