Managing the Multi-Generational Workforce

Authors Robert G. DelCampo, Lauren A. Haggerty, Meredith Jane Haney and Lauren Ashley Knippel –”A team of experts in the field of Human Resources” reference five generations are live in the work place today. The book is very US focused and aims to address the different generations and how these work together in business today. After generalizing and pigeon holing groups of people based on age and historical exposure, the book explores behaviours at a high level, moving on to competences and how they translate across the generations.

Areas covered include how the generations interact with each other taking in to consideration the different mindset through categorization; claiming this can have a detrimental effect on relationships as people perceive traits as weaknesses not necessarily strengths.

The book works through a number of areas such as psychology, training and how this is received by the generations, culture and how this is affected, recruitment and retention, and managerial styles. As stated above the book only touches on each part and provides areas for consideration for human resource structuring within organisations.

The book is worth a read but caution to be taken in regards to stereotyping – not all people who fall into the age gap criteria are as described. However it is an interesting read albeit high level and deserves some consideration as the competence areas described are relevant in the working environment. My only argument is that regardless of age there will always be differences in how people work, interpret and deliver.

In an age where we are preconditioned to negate age – there are some strong positives pointed out in the book focusing on the need for diversity to create a successful structure.

Would I recommend the book? Yes, if you are looking for a different perspective on structuring your team.

Publisher: Gower* (discounts for Tipoffs and Camel readers aplenty for several Gower titles. click the link for more.)
Length: 114 pages

ABOUT THE REVIEWER: Nicola Caswell-Thorp is a Project Management Recruitment Consultant for Arras People, the project management recruitment people.