Results of a recent study reported in the pages of Entrepreneur magazine show that while the baby boom generation has become accustomed to a wide array of technology products, at any one time it is more likely that its the Gen Y-ers who are on their mobile phones or tuned in.  For example, according to the survey 51% of Gen-Yers reported using a mobile phone versus 20% of Boomers, while 18% of Boomers still used land lines and only 7% of Gen Y-ers are dialing up on local systems.  Most surprising, is that while 25% of Boomers are shown to have used cable TV recently, a scant 5% of Gen Y-ers list this as a usage.  The latter are either watching Youtube feeds or DVDs, or there may be something wrong with the survey. 

A similar report here outlines some of the same results, the over-riding point being that younger folks are more adaptive to and interested in new technology while the older or (ahem) more experienced generation are more circumspect about whether a new technological offering will become a viable alternative or fade into obscurity.  This isn’t merely a result of being older.  Boomers remember clearly the ‘promise’ of beta video tape, of four channel stereo systems, and of solar power for the masses.  The latter may still happen but recall that back in the 1970s a lot of people were installing large panels on the roofs of their homes.  In many cases, new products or services that appear to have potential can fade from lack of interest or competing offerings.  Sometimes it is simply a perception and/or timing.  Anyone remember New Coke or the Pontiac Aztek?

For managers, the message is clear: there is a disparity between interests in technology among generations that can be both understood and, to an extent, exploited for the betterment of the organization.  Some ideas for managing the differences can be found here.  In addition, it is more the awareness of and sensitivity to generational and individual differences that mark the successful manager.

Eric C. Shoaf

Editor, LL&M

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