FROM CRADLE TO GRAVE: ARE THERE DIFFERENCES IN THE LEADERSHIP STYLES OF THE FOUR GENERATIONS OF EMPLOYEES IN AMERICA?

Steven V. Cates
Kevin A. Cojanu
Susan B. Pettine
Kaplan University
ABSTRACT
The main purpose of this research is to determine whether there are differences in the leadership styles of the four different generations (Traditionalists, Baby Boomers, Generation X, and Generation Y) in the U.S. A convenient sample of working college students taking a course in a graduate school was utilized to respond to a survey questionnaire which was posted on online. The results of this study revealed significant differences in the leadership styles among the four generations. These results are so important for managers in order to adapt to their leadership styles of the specific generation of employee to be managed to gain the highest level of motivation and job performance.