Generations Differ on Work Attitude and Work Engagement in Indian Organizations
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1956/jge.v22i2.849Keywords:
generational cohorts, work engagement, work attitude, Baby Boomers, Millennials, Vigour, Dedication, Absorption, Job Satisfaction, Turnover Intention, IndiaAbstract
India’s corporate sector now hosts four concurrent generational cohorts—Baby Boomers (1946–1965), Generation X (1966–1979), Generation Y / Millennials (1980–1994), and Generation Z (post-1995)—each shaped by distinct socio-economic conditions. This study examines how these cohorts differ on Work Attitude (Job Satisfaction, Organisational Commitment, Job Involvement, and Turnover Intentions) and Work Engagement (Vigour, Dedication, and Absorption). Drawing on primary data from 755 Indian corporate employees, analysed through Chi-square tests, one-way ANOVA with post-hoc comparisons, exploratory factor analysis, and structural equation modelling (SEM), the study finds statistically significant generational differences on all seven sub-dimensions. Baby Boomers score highest on Vigour, Dedication, and Absorption; Generation Z scores lowest on Dedication and Absorption; Generation Y exhibits the lowest Vigour. Baby Boomers and Generation X demonstrate stronger organisational commitment and lower turnover intentions than younger cohorts. Factor analysis reveals three latent Work Attitude constructs (Job Satisfaction, Turnover Intention, Perks-Incentives) and SEM confirms that leadership attributes, mediated by Work Attitude, significantly predict Work Engagement. The paper closes with generation-sensitive HR and leadership recommendations.
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