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ERIC Number: ED388801
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1995
Pages: 4
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Career Development in Generation X. Myths and Realities.
Lankard, Bettina A.
Several myths relate to the question of whether Generation X, the population cohort following the Baby Boomers, has different values, work ethics, and attitudes toward work and career development. The first myth is that individuals in Generation X are slackers, lacking career drive and ambition. The reality is that Generation X may just view the concept of career differently. They use job hopping as a way to build their skills and make themselves more marketable. They are more self-sufficient and outcome based. Given their priorities of money, power, and status, many are becoming entrepreneurs. The second myth is that individuals in Generation X are poorly suited to today's career realities. The reality is that individuals in Generation X have higher levels of education than those in previous generations. The real assets they bring to the workplace are their knowledge of technology and ability to concentrate on a number of tasks at one time. They are also accepting of change. A third myth is that individuals in Generation X have little influence in the workplace. The reality is that the type of training companies do is being shaped by the learning style of this generation. Generation X is also shaping company leadership, since they require more coaching and feedback from supervisors than previous generations. They expect their opinions to count. Of the greatest significance may be the workplace changes influenced by the cultural diversity of this generation. (Contains 12 references.) (YLB)
Publication Type: ERIC Publications
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: Office of Educational Research and Improvement (ED), Washington, DC.
Authoring Institution: ERIC Clearinghouse on Adult, Career, and Vocational Education, Columbus, OH.
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A