Generations and Geography

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Generations and Geography The white paper, titled “Generations and Geography Understanding the Diversity of Generations around the Globe” presents Tammy Erickson’s research findings, which identify geographic location as a significant factor that influences the formation of both a generation’s beliefs and behavior. Erickson uses these findings to argue that the emerging global economy necessitates that employers understand and accommodate geographically specific generational models as a means to attract and retain employees. I strongly agree with this argument and believe that it should be refined to focus specifically on Generation-Y (born between: 1980 – 1995), as they will soon be the largest faction of the global workforce. As a member of the Generation-Y it’s easy for me to draw parallels between my own characteristics and those Erickson lists as key for the U.S. Generation-Y. However, the experiences I remember as a child don’t support Erickson’s argument that the geographic factions of Generation-Y have the largest number of commonly shared experiences. Erickson’s methodology on how generations are formed is similar to Morris Massey’s “what you are is what you were when” concept, which attributes an adult’s core beliefs and behaviors to their experiences as an adolescent. The following events are what I recall as being major events from my childhood that actively shaped my beliefs and behaviors as an adult. * Exxon Valdez oil spill * Technology (computers, internet, and cell phones) * Oklahoma City bombing * Columbine shooting * September 11 attacks * Monica Lewinsky scandal In my opinion all of these events can easily be tied to the four primary characteristics Erickson lists as being indicative of the U.S. Generation-Y (i.e. immediate, optimistic, digital natives, and family-centric). For instance, my strong sense of

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