According to Zemke’s four generations of workers, which of the following statements is most likely true of the Baby Boomers?
They are loyal to their organization when it comes to work ethics.
They came of age during the Great Depression and World War II.
They usually think of themselves as “the problem” in their workplace.
They seek constant feedback but dislike close supervision by their superiors.
The correct answer and explanation is :
According to Ron Zemke’s framework of four generations in the workplace, the statement most likely true of Baby Boomers is:
They are loyal to their organization when it comes to work ethics.
Baby Boomers, born between 1946 and 1964, are recognized for their strong work ethic and dedication to their employers. They often prioritize their careers and are willing to invest significant time and effort to achieve professional success. This commitment frequently translates into long-term tenure with organizations, reflecting their loyalty and belief in the value of hard work.
In contrast, the other statements pertain to different generational cohorts:
- “They came of age during the Great Depression and World War II.” This describes the Traditionalists or Silent Generation, born before 1946, who experienced these historical events during their formative years.
- “They usually think of themselves as ‘the problem’ in their workplace.” This is not a characteristic commonly associated with any specific generational group in Zemke’s framework.
- “They seek constant feedback but dislike close supervision by their superiors.” This trait is more aligned with Millennials (born 1981-2000), who value regular feedback and prefer a coaching style of management over micromanagement.