Leaders in a particular organization are responsible for building relationships in the workplace. The most vital component that can lead to building relationships in the workplace is the implementation of effective communication. In this light, it is essential for employees in an organization, regardless of their age, to set transparent expectations necessary for reaching organizational objectives. Based on the need to determine how to bridge the generational gaps in workplace communication, it is essential different provisions related to why a particular generation prefers a single mode of communication to another, including the assessment of the issues and successes of intergenerational communication. Conversely, it will be vital to assess the preferred forms of communications for organization, including the bias for using one method of communication to the others. The assessments will assist in determining vernacular limitations to communicating across different generations and the appropriate actions that could be implemented to reduce the gaps.
Why a generation prefers one mode of communication to another
Communication has evolved at a fast rate in recent years. In this light, preferences in workplace communication differ across generations. This situation has been brought about by the method adopted by each generation in terms of what they have got used to in terms of communicating with other people. Before the adoption of technology based communication methods, individuals preferred face-to-face communication to ensure that individuals connected with each other in a better way. However, younger generations in the working class are moving towards using text-based communication methods, which is primarily executed through technological communication rather than face-to-face discussions. The fundamental element that defines the preferential difference in terms of the mode of communication relates to the notion of the value attached to interaction. In this regard, older generations prefer face-to-face interactions rather than using technological systems to communicate with colleagues, based on the habits that are difficult to shake off once an individual is familiar with a particular mode of communication. For instance, Generation Y and Z have been less wedded to communication though emails or letters since the generations have access better-suited communication channels that assist in performing specific tasks (Harris & Nelson, 2008), which means that they are unlikely to use emails to communicate with individuals from other generations.
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
Why different generations have problems communicating with other generations
The fundamental provision that makes it difficult for different generations to have issues communicating with other generations emanates from their preferences in terms of the channels they use to pass on and receive information. A considerable number of in-house social networks are gaining traction in numerous organizations, which means that the entities have a lot to offer for the social networks’ wide adoption (Abrams & Von, 2014). Generations Y and Z prefer using these platforms since they value transparency, the platforms have less clutter, and they have the ability to pass their message across different project teams and functions. The problem of communication across different organizations emanates from the idea that Gen Y and Gen Z are likely to use social networks to communicate at work, while the older generations use the platforms outside of their work. Since the older generations are not likely to use social media networks at work, problems are likely to occur from the diminished use of the social media platforms by the older generation since they are often used by younger generations.
Why generations are successful in communicating within their generation
The fundamental reason that can be cited in explaining why generations are successful in communicating within their generations could also to be related to their preferred mode of communication. In addition to the preferred mode of communication used by the different generations, their collaborative platforms could be considered as an element that defines the success of communicating with their generations (Harris & Nelson, 2008). As identified above, most of Gen Y and Gen Z have grown up using different tools that are suited for particular tasks. The generations use email communication as the last resort, regardless of the provision that email communication is a handy universal medium that allows communication with anyone. This provision is indicative of the idea that different generations are successful in communicating within their generations based on their preferred mode of communication.
The current preferred forms of communication for companies
According to Stefan and Yazdanifard (2013), the current preferred forms of communication across different organizations cover multiple media primarily to ensure that everyone is reached. However, based on the need to ensure collaborative and team-based communication, it has become critical to embrace digitally connected work environments to ensure efficiency and growth. In this regard, organizations in the contemporary work environments are introducing digital workplace strategies that can improve collaboration and communication, which is a provision that enables the employees to work together effectively, regardless of the device they use and their location. In addition to the traditional methods of communication, such as business meetings and print, organizations are currently embracing social media and videoconferencing as their primary forms of communication (Abrams & Von, 2014). However, the adoption of digital communication is determined by the needs of a particular organization.
The determination of whether there is a bias for using one method of communication over another
There is a possibility of positing that there is bias when using one method of communication over another. As suggested by Abrams and Von (2014), different generations within the workplace allow their experiences with a particular mode of communication to overpower the experiences by another generation. For instance, traditionalists prefer one-on-one communication, while the members of generation X and Y are adept with communication through technological platforms (Harris & Nelson, 2008). Depending on the communication preferences of the different generations, it is possible to posit that bias can be created when an organization prefers a traditionalist approach over the digitization of communication, and vice versa. In this regard, the preferred form of communication is determined by the values that the different generations exhibit in the workplace.
The vernacular limitations to communication amongst different generations
Communication in an organizational team is meant to create views and emotions that can enhance or inhibit relationships, learn, and solve problems. For this reason, the vernacular used during communication reveals how issues are identified, including the manner in which negotiations are managed. Based on the provision that every generation develops its own vernacular to ensure that it has an identity, language gaps might be presented during communication. For instance, a generation might prefer using words such as “chick,” “cool,” or “flake,” which are seemingly harmless words to the younger generation. However, by using such words when communicating with the older generation in the workforce, it is possible to determine that language gaps might occur, consequently leading to miscommunication. The problem of miscommunication occurs when the misuse of language becomes magnified and the expected users do not adapt it (Harris & Nelson, 2008).
Actions that can be used to decrease the gaps of communications
One of the strategies that could be implemented to decrease gaps in communication across different generations would involve creating mentoring opportunities. In this regard, an organization can consider partnering young workers with older workers to ensure that the younger generation understand the value of the structure of face-to-face interaction. On the other hand, the Boomers are likely to learn from the young counterparts by picking up new technology skills, which is a provision that can enable them to adopt new ways of completing tasks. In addition to partnering the different generations in work teams, it would be vital for an organization to develop a positive workplace culture (Harris & Nelson, 2008). In this regard, organizations can develop a positive workplace culture by encouraging open and honest communication by using different communication mediums to pass their message across. In this light, it is essential to determine the best way to communicate with individuals across different generations to determine their preferred method of communication, consequently passing the message across different employees.
Even though the younger generation can understand the value of face-to-face conversation, the leaders in an organization should reach them on how to conduct the conversations based on the idea that they might be having workplace immaturity. The younger generation is presumably adaptive to the communication preferences of other generations, which is a provision that calls for the need to develop an appropriate communication culture that takes care of the communication needs of all generations in the work environment.
References
Abrams, J., & Von, F. V. (2014). The multigenerational workplace: Communicate, collaborate, and create community . Thousand Oaks, California: Corwin.
Harris, T. E. & Nelson, M. D. (2008). Applied Organizational Communication: Theory and Practice in a Global Environment. Taylor & Francis.
Stefan, F., & Yazdanifard, R. (2013). The Issues of Generational Conflicts in Workplace and Solutions for it . Centre of Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU).
