Business
2016-05-14
The issue of the most appropriate methodology in order to analyze two generations (X and Y) and differences between them are described in this paper. According to the theory of generations, representatives of different age groups have different characteristics. Some of them are connected with the competence of the “leadership”. Specialists usually identify two main groups:
generation X, representatives of which are in the age group 25-35 years;
generation Y – people, who are older than 35 years.
For example, leaders of generation Y (who were born in 1984 – 2000 years) are a class of “loners”, while the generation leaders X (1963 – 1984), in contrast, are team players. Today’s generation of leaders – “loners” can do business as well as leaders of generation X, if the staff is successfully generated. At the same time, focus on the team is not characteristic of the generation Y leaders. They are successful only if they have the competence to manage implementation and execution processes (Rosen, 2001).
The leaders - “loners” are perfect generators of new ideas. They are more creative and innovative than generation X leaders. But, there is a lack of so-called “change agents”. The last ones are people, who are able to implement the ideas of the generation Y leaders, be their followers and accurately perform tasks. The absence of such competencies among employees can be compensated by management of performance, and only under these conditions, all ideas can be implemented in the health care industry (Huntley, 2006).
Generation X leaders are characterized by the following traits:
responsibility,
the pursuit of stability,
hard work,
a high level of civic awareness,
attention to social guarantees.
It turns out that the generation X leader is best to cope with the tasks that involve team work related to systematic thinking, the integration of diverse solutions, individual tasks and routine occupations and tasks with a high degree of responsibility. It should be noted that Genes “X” and “Y” perceive each other’s communication effectiveness differently.
The most appropriate qualitative research methodology in order to analyze differences between emotional intelligence among leaders of two generations and their perception of communication effectiveness includes focus group study and semi structured interviews. Such choice of methods is caused by the following reasons:
semi structured interviews provide an opportunity to collect extensive data about the features of generation X and Y leaders. Such method allows to gather mandatory data as well as to identify specific aspects of representatives of both generations;
focus groups provide opportunity to collect data from generation X and Y leaders simultaneously and identify differences in their answers; analyze communication between representatives of both generations.
It plans to gather such different types of data as interviews and observations during focus group study. Firstly, it needs to interview participants and gather their answers fully as possible. Then, more specific opinions of each participant will be collected during focus group study. It should be noted that the current investigation assumes to use methods triangulation. The first step is conducting semi structured interviews with the respondents of both generations. The second one is a focus group on the same topic among the same participant. It will provide more extensive data on set questions of current study.
The main strength of this study is an opportunity to collect different information about characteristics of both generations that cannot be collected through the quantitative research. At the same time, the main limitation of this study is the complexity of the data analysis, data comparison and forming final findings. One more limitation is linked to the limited number of representatives, while researcher conducts a focus group study (Patton, 2014, p.478).
The work environment can be chosen as the site for interviews of representatives of both generations. At the same time, focus group study can be conducted in more informal conditions. Such environment will be more suitable for effective communication. Chosen site, where the discussion is conducted, must be spacious and comfortable (seats, carpet, soft light, etc.). It is necessary to have a large table, where the respondents would be able to use the records, forms, drawings.
Participant selection must be based on the age group, gender and employment. It should be noted that current research is directed to analyze leaders in the health care industry. So, it will be one of the most important factors in the participant selection.
The target population is presented as leaders of both generations, who are employed in the health care industry. It can be hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, non-profit organizations and charitable foundations.
The sample of the current study will include representatives of the appropriate age: for generation Y – at the age 24-35 years; for generation X – at the age 36 -50 years. The ratio of women and men among respondents should be an equal. Desirable quantity of all respondents is around fifty persons. The focus group is conducted among 6-12 persons. In this case, it will be possible to conduct several focus group studies among the same respondents. It may take much more time, but, at the same time, the data will be more reliable.
References
Huntley, R. (2006). The world according to Y. Crows Nest, N.S.W.: Allen & Unwin.
Patton, M. (2014). Qualitative Research & Evaluation Methods: Integrating Theory and Practice (4th ed., p. 832). London: SAGE Publications.
Rosen, B. (2001). Masks and mirrors. Westport, Conn.: Praeger.
