Navigating Generational Diversity: Multi-generational Teamwork in the Indian Workplace

Abstract

The several generations that comprise the Indian corporate workplace today bring with them a diverse set of work values and behaviours. This diversity creates challenges and affects team bonding, communication, and overall team effectiveness. There exists a gap in the literature that qualitatively studies multigenerational teamwork and its intersection with Indian cultural values. This study fills this gap by using an interpretive phenomenological approach to explore the lived experiences of Generation X and Generation Y employees in Indian corporations. The sample consisted of five participants in both the Generation X and Y groups, selected through purposive and snowball sampling techniques. Semi-structured interviews were conducted using the interview guide developed on Dickinson’s Model of Teamwork (Dickinson et al., 1993). The interviews lasted 35 to 50 minutes each and were audio-recorded with consent and transcribed for analysis. The findings indicate significant generational differences between Generation X and Generation Y concerning communication preferences, work ethics, receptivity to criticism, and work-life balance strategies. However, there are commonalities in thought, and strengths they acknowledged that the other generation possesses. Training programs, mentoring, and reverse mentoring programs that encourage respect and understanding between employees of different generations and build on their strengths can be developed and implemented.