HOW HAS ATTITUDE TO WORK CHANGED OVER TIME?

Learning Outcome:

Assess the Attitudinal Changes That Underpin Current Approaches To The Meaning of Work, Managing Work and Working Life

The Net Generation (NetGens)

The Net Generation is a distinct generation. It is made up of the children of the post-World War II generation
Tapscott,

D (2009, pg. 2)

Generation X (born 1965-1976) is a generation that is quite educated and regularly used advanced communication technology, however, unlike the Net Generation (born 1977-1997) they didnt grow up using computers. Net Generation cannot imagine living without technology and this changes how their brains function.
-

D (2009, pg. 2) http://media.economist.com/media/pdf/grown-up-digital-tapscott-e.pdf

Tapscott,

Reference: Topscott, D (2009) Grown Up Digital: How the Net Generation Is Changing Your World [Online] available at: http://media.economist.com/media/pdf/grown-up-digital-tapscott-e.pdf. Accessed: 23rd November 2012.

Net-Gens: How Does This Affect The Meaning of Work?

The Net Generation (Net-Gens) Reflection

So Is Topscott Right? Based on the characteristics declared by the author on the previous slide, lets reflect on the points addressed 1. Integrity; Granted, the Net Generation does expect companies to display honesty, however, what person doesnt, regardless of the generation they are born into? I feel this point is completely invalid as this is not a characteristic than can be fairly argued as belonging to this generation alone to contribute to the Net Generation becoming its own

The Net Generation (Net-Gens) Reflection

2. Speed
Being someone born in this generation, I would agree that I have witnessed over time that the younger generation tends to be a lot less patient than the older generation. However, I would argue that this is merely a younger vs older generation trait and, again, has no direct contribution to allowing

the Net Generation becoming its own entity.

The Net Generation (Net-Gens) Reflection

3. Innovation
They expect change and want the best - would it not be fair to argue that in the world we currently live in, everyone expects change and the best for the sheer fact that the marketplace is continuously advancing and progressing so, of course, the customers are going to demand this. Consequently, so are employees of the current workforces.

The Net Generation (Net-Gens) Reflection

4. Freedom/5.Customisation
Net Geners want freedom, choice and variety of their lives, Net Geners wish to customise their job I feel, ultimately, everybody holds these feelings deep down. We all realistically have to stifle some of inner wishes as we appreciate that we work for our employer within a pre-existing framework and culture. However, in some companies, and as we progress in time and move away from the theories of Fayol, Taylor and Weber, autonomy is becoming more popular among organisations and we are given the opportunity to experience freedom and control of our own workload.

The Net Generation (Net-Gens) Reflection

6. Entertainment
I would argue from experience that if you are able to work within an organisation that allows your personality and character to be exposed within that and you are able to achieve self-satisfaction, not just through achievement through your job role, but also through fulfilment of a certain level of entertainment and enjoyment that everyone requires from their lives, you are more likely to produce better results, providing you can remain focused. I would probably agree that, yes, this is more likely to be found in the younger generation as Generation X are used to working within strict, formal structures with minimal flexibility. However, would not say this attribute is specific to the Net Generation as such.

The Net Generation (Net-Gens) Reflection

7. Collaboration
Collaboration and team working is said to produce the best results and the best decisions so this can only be a benefit Yes, this has progressed with time, as has knowledge with regards to the benefits and increased productivity realised by team working, however, is this specific to a socalled generation or due to the fact that as time progresses, so does knowledge, ideas and experiences? Without that, the world would never move on and would not continue to develop and grow. Consequently, again, another argument to add to the list that this does not contribute to the Net Geners becoming their own entity.

The Net Generation (Net-Gens) Reflection

Conclusion
Whilst Topscott makes some valid points with regards to how the attitude to working has developed and changed, I do not feel it would be correct to label this under a generation and blame this entirely on the fact a younger generation have been brought up using technology. I would argue this is due to the fact the time progresses and so do attitudes. We are moving away from a rigid, bureaucratic, work ethic and with the introduction of more and more technology, everything is evolving. Consequently, so do our mindsets and now we are post-industrialisation, I feel this will only continue.