Generational differences in work motivation of healthcare workers

Abstract

This study examined the motivational differences across the major generations and the specific cusps between the Veterans and Baby Boomers, between Baby Boomers and Generation X, and between Generation X and Generation Y. Data were collected from 1,098 self-selected employees of a large healthcare system in the Midwest. A multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was performed to statistically analyze the data. Significant differences in the sources of motivation among the four generations and the cusps of generations for four of the five MSI subscales were identified. Intrinsic process motivation was found to be significantly higher for Generation Y than Generation X, Baby Boomers, and the cusp between Baby Boomer and Generation X. Intrinsic process was also significantly higher for Generation X than Baby Boomers and the cusp between Baby Boomer and Generation X. Instrumental motivation of Generation Y was significantly higher than Generation X, Baby Boomers, and the cusp between Baby Boomer and Generation X. The Generation X cohort identified instrumental motivation to be significantly higher than Baby Boomers, and Baby Boomers were significantly higher than the cusp between Baby Boomer and Generation X. Generation Y was significantly higher than Generation X, Baby Boomers, and the cusp between Baby Boomer and Generation X in self-concept external. Generation X was significantly higher in self-concept external when compared to the cusp between Baby Boomer and Generation X. The Baby Boomer cohort was significantly higher than Generation Y and Generation X in goal internalization. The cohort in the cusp between Baby Boomer and Generation X identified Goal Internal to be significantly higher than Generation X and Baby Boomers. No statistically significant differences were identified between the generations for self-concept internal. The results of this study support previous research findings of significant differences in the sources of motivation among the generations. Understanding the generational differences in the sources of motivation provides a realistic means for organizations to adapt practices and policies related to recruitment, retention, and engagement of a multigenerational workforce. Advisor: Gina S. Matkin

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