Variation in Follower Needs—Generational Considerations [WLO: 2] [CLOs: 1, 2]
| Prepare
Prior to beginning work on this discussion forum,
Review Sections 4.1 and 4.2 of Motivational Processes Download Motivational Processes.
Review What the Generations Want From Work: New Data Offers SurprisesLinks to an external site..
Review Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs in Your Organization: How to Support Your Employees at Every StageLinks to an external site..
Review Introducing a Cognitive Approach in Research About Generational Differences: The Case of MotivationLinks to an external site..
Review the Generational Stage Timeline interactive below.
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In today’s workplace, leaders can work with followers from several generations all at the same time. Each of the generational groups within the workplace has its own unique strengths, challenges, and individual needs, and as you will learn this week, mutual needs are based on where they are in their careers. As you will review in Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs in Your Organization: How to Support Your Employees at Every StageLinks to an external site., generational groups include Generation Z who are new graduates entering the workforce, Generation Y who are early to mid-career, Generation X who are peak career, and Baby Boomers who are pre-retirement. Knowing the characteristics of each group and being able to assess their needs enhances a leader’s ability to motivate their followers effectively.
| Write
In an initial post of at least 250 words,
Select and describe at least three of the five Generational Stage examples from Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs in Your Organization: How to Support Your Employees at Every StageLinks to an external site..
Consider Alderfer’s ERG Theory and identify which motivational conditions have been satisfied in the Generational Stage examples you selected and which elements amid Existence, Relatedness, or Growth still need to be provided.
Provide leadership strategies or practical actions that you could take as a leader to make certain that all elements (Existence, Relatedness, and Growth) are satisfied in the examples.
| Guided Response
Review several of your classmates’ posts and welcome at least three of your peers on at least two separate days by the week. In your replies to classmates,
Identify key similarities or differences in the leadership strategies or practical actions of your classmates.
Offer additional suggestions on how your classmates can satisfy each of the conditions (Existence, Relatedness, and Growth) in the example they selected.