Managing the Tensions of Age-Based Role Reversals in the Intergenerational Workplace: Exploring Young Adults Experience Supervising Older Employees

• In Event: ICA Plenary Interactive Paper/Poster Session II
  In Interactive Paper Session: Interactive Papers in Intergroup Communication

Abstract

The modern workforce is more diverse than ever, especially in terms of employee age as there are now four distinct generations in the workplace (Tolbize, 2008; Toosi, 2004, 2012). And while previous research has studied intergenerational interactions generally (Nussbaum & Coupland, 2004; Williams & Giles, 1996), the organizational context has been somewhat neglected (Kennedy, 2009; McCann & Giles, 2006; Ollinger, 2012). This project adds to the intergenerational communication literature by examining the modern workplace from the perspective of young adults who organizationally outrank chronologically older co-workers. Through 30 qualitative interviews, we found a tension that emerged regarding younger employees who manage older co-workers. Contributing to this tension were discussions regarding off-time career progression, respect, and professionalism. Theoretical and practical implications stem from these findings and are discussed in the full paper.

Authors

• Lindsey Anderson, University of Maryland

• Melanie Morgan, Purdue U