The dynamics of generational diversity in organizations: multi-case study

Abstract

This article aims to understand the dynamics of generational diversity in organizations. To meet the objective, exploratory research was carried, of the multi-case type and with a qualitative approach. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, life history, focus group, and non-participant observation, covering twenty-five participants from two large companies in the food and metal-mechanic sector. With the triangulation, the data were analyzed through content analysis, with the support of the qualitative research analysis program NVivo®10. The generational dynamics in the studied associations shows that there is a good relationship, communication, and learning between the generations, however, the possible conflicts that can happen between the devices regardless of generation are not denied. Empirical evidence also shows that the generation of workers does not interfere so much in behavior and that it depends on commitment, behavioral profile, social class, age, life cycles, motivations, and personal choices, as well as life stories and cultural context. Therefore, it is concluded that the important thing is the adoption of a relational analysis that focuses on the co-construction and the complementarity of multigenerational coexistence in associations.