Boomer Generation , Values , Millennials.
Summary: The values that Americans say define the national character are changing, as younger generations rate patriotism, religion and having children as less important to them than did young people two decades ago, a Wall Street Journal/NBC News survey finds. The poll is the latest sign of difficulties the 2020 presidential candidates will likely face in crafting a unifying message for a country divided over personal principles and views of an increasingly diverse society. When the Journal/NBC News survey asked Americans 21 years ago to say which values were most important to them, strong majorities picked the principles of hard work, patriotism, commitment to religion and the goal of having children. Classroom Application: Personal values are often a key component that influences how individuals make ethical decisions. This article provides an opportunity for faculty and students to analyze and discuss the differences in values across generations and how to deal with those differences when developing and evaluating potential ethical courses of action. Questions: 1. Of the generational differences cited in the article, which are likely to be the most significant for the purposes of developing ethical courses of action for organizations/teams and why? Which are likely the least significant? 2. 61% in the survey cited patriotism as very important to them, down 9 percentage points from 1998. 50% cited religion, down 12 points. Some 43% placed a high value on having children, down 16 points from 1998. Among people 55 and older, nearly 80% said patriotism was very important, compared with 42% of those ages 18-38—the millennial generation. Two-thirds of the older group cited religion as very important, compared with fewer than one-third of the younger group. In what ways, if at all, should business leaders take these types of generational differences into account when developing/revising corporate codes of ethics and/or personnel policies? 3. This article clearly defines stakeholder groups in terms of age. What are some of the concerns/drawbacks of utilizing this approach in defining/delineating key differences?