Can You Lead Effectively? An Analysis of the Leadership Styles of Four Generations of American Employees

Abstract

The main purpose of this research is to determine the preferred leadership style(s) of the different generations of workers in the U.S. A sample population of 328 respondents in all four generations responded to 8 questions posed in a Survey conducted online using working adults taking a course in a graduate school. Responses indicate that preferred leadership styles differ significantly among the four generations. It is further noted that the greater the difference is in age groups the more significant the difference in leadership behavioral preferences. This is significant for managers in order for them to adapt their leadership styles for the specific generation of employee to be managed to gain the highest level of motivation and job performance.