Young vs Old: Generational Theory & Workplace Experiences - Essay Sample

Introduction

Life experiences between the young and older individuals in a working environment will at all times differ thus, causing unforeseen difficulties. The problematic nature of these two groups is well understood using the generational theory. The theory was first developed by William Strauss and Neil Howe to examine "cohorts" in the society in line with how they are affected by the political, technological, social, and economic factors that surround individuals. The cohorts explain generations, including silent generation, Baby Boomer, Generation X, MilGen, and Generation Z. Furthermore, the theory makes assumptions that cultural events will always determine the personality of an individual compared to the life experiences do, and their occurrence is cyclic (Brown-Crowder, 2017). The generational theory is a useful framework that can be used when explaining episode three of the show "Great News" when Chuck Pierce becomes blind after cataract surgery and how things change for him and his colleagues. By applying the Generational theory, this paper will explicitly discuss sustained issues, impacts, and how things end for Chuck in the episode. The generational gaps and their roles in society (Ryback, 2016) provides a useful concept of generational attitudes for understanding different behaviors of the characters in Great News.

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Summary

Cataract surgery was conducted on Chuck's two eyes requiring him to break his perfect attendance record from work temporarily. Carol finds herself responsible for taking care of Chuck as a mother would and an internship student at the studio to some extent forgetting she had to learn some skills before her designated period was completed. As a result, Greg had to take over charge of the Breakdown but could only work with Katie because he felt that she was the only professional employee. After some time, Chuck comes back to the studio but as a blind man that resulted in duty change. Chuck, unaware of these changes, is forced to agree to everything the new professional team has to say, but through Carol, Chuck was able to complete a broadcast successfully.

Chuck was working as the person in charge in the studio delegating duties to Grey, Katie, Carol, and other individuals. His attendance at work was perfect until he had to get an eye surgery that changed his life. The leadership style he preferred to use was authoritative but was ultimately harsh with everybody, especially when it came to Carol (Murray & Chua, 2014). The generation theory, precisely the silent generation, can be used to describe this scene. The generation is characterized by a high regard for respect to people in authority, employee dedication, enhanced work ethics, employer loyalty, and reduced conflicts among employees. The silent generation cannot be defined as a power generation but a group of people who are disciplined in their areas of work. Besides, the individuals are keen to uphold their values and entirely appreciate all simple events that happen in their lives. This theory justifies Chuck's dedication towards his work in the studio, as illustrated by his perfect recorded attendance. Besides, there was not much conflict experienced during the period when Chuck was in charge, and employee dedication is evident. In addition, the episode shows Chuck's value and love for work, mainly because he does not want to show sickness as a weakness.

Adam Campbell, famously known as Greg, was the executive producer at the studio, thus, an authority figure. However, in most cases, his decisions at the Breakdown would be determined by Chuck and, after that, give reasons explaining why the decision was canceled. Grey was conservative, but with the occurrence of Chuck's inability, he dynamically changed to being a new individual. Therefore, this situation sheds light on the circumstances that explained the baby boom generation. The baby boomer generation group worked hard to ensure that their families are well taken care of and rarely move from one job to another. The implication of their dedication resulted in a fixed mindset so that everything is okay with them (Ryback, 2016). However, the mentality did not last long due to changes in perspective and adjustment made in the contemporary world. Following, this understanding it is clear that Greg represented the baby boomer generation in the studio.

Carol Wendelson fits perfectly in the descriptions of generation X mostly because she had been able to balance between her life at work, in school, and at home as an employee, student, and mother, respectively. She was working as an internship student at the studio at this time of the episode, where she got an opportunity to serve Chucks with the motherly love he needed. Besides, she was working with Katie, her daughter, who was the segment producer at the studio, a more definite indication that she had played a significant role in educating her. This notion explains that generation X group kept a balanced life where they are willing to work, being a mother and at the same time find time for leisure (Cox, 2016). Besides, the group saw the rise of computers and took advantage of studying them, a factor that determines their consumerism and how they performed their roles in the workplace. This justifies the fact that Carol was able to assist Chucks during an interview through technology, even when Grey wanted to embarrass him.

Katie, well known as Katherine from the episode, can be described as a successful young individual who understands her professional course in the studio. Furthermore, it was possible to tell that Katie was uncomfortable that her mother was working as an internship student in the studio with her. A generation Y individual will be defined using several characteristics, mainly the reasons that promoted success (Ryback, 2016). For instance, one can tell that her mother expected so much from her because of her perfectionist nature. Besides, she was a team-oriented individual, a reason why Grey chooses to work with only her because he considered her as a professional who understood her duties and responsibilities in the studio. Thus, the notion explains why generation Y is much more successful compared to other generations.

Conclusion

The generational theory is a useful framework that enhanced the explanation of an episode in the show "Great News" when Chuck Pierce becomes blind. The generational gaps and their roles in society provides a useful concept of generational attitudes for understanding different behaviors of the characters in Great News. Different generations have different experiences; thus, they will act differently in resolving issues.

References

Brown-Crowder, R. R. (2017). Work motivation theory: identifying multi-generational values in the workplace.

Cox, L. V. (2016). Understanding millennial, Generation X, and Baby Boomer preferred leadership characteristics: Informing today's leaders and followers.

Murray, D., & Chua, S. (2014, November). Differences in leadership styles and motives in men and women: How generational theory informs gender role congruity. In European Conference on Management, Leadership & Governance (p. 192). Academic Conferences International Limited.

Ryback, R. (2016, February 22). From Baby Boomers to Generation Z: The generational gaps and their roles in society. Psychology Today. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/the-truisms-wellness/201602/baby-boomers-generation-z