Chapter 2: Fear and Loathing at Work: A Savage Journey to the Heart of Received Wisdom on Generational Differences

Scorpios are inscrutable, dignified and intense. Aries are adventurous, ambitious and full of energy. Pieces are gentle, friendly, and good natured. The position of the sun, stars, moon and planets at the time of one’s birth reflects the zodiac sign one is born under and is said to shape personality and predict one’s future. A careful reading of the zodiac suggests that each sign is a generic personality profile and several of the profiles may fit for any one individual. Perhaps, based on this critical perception, it is reasonable to refrain from making drastic life choices based on one’s own sign or the sign of someone else. Further, most would agree we should not manage a Pisces differently than a Scorpio. In this chapter we argue that, similar to the zodiac, there is little evidence-based support for the popular notion that generations differ in terms of their attitudes, values and behavior at work. We urge managers to treat employees as individuals rather than employ specific management practices based on the received wisdom of generational differences.