Discovering the presence of a Generational Gap in Lebanese firms

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the behavior and opinions of the two largest age-groups working side by side in Lebanese firms in order to discover the presence or absence of a world-wide accepted phenomena, labeled the Generation Gap. The procedure followed in the study consisted of a literature review which includes studies conducted in the United States concerning the generation gap present there. Then a survey was distributed to over two hundred potential respondents, this survey being made up of 23 questions divided into two groups, according to the age groups in question. This survey targets Boomers; born between 1946-1964 and Xers; born between 1965-1980, since they are two majorities in the workforce today. One hundred surveys from each generation were collected. Once the data was collected, it was analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) as well as Microsoft Excel in order to derive the statistical values required. Respondents were asked about five variables that have been recognised worldwide as being associated with the gap in question, these variables being: Loyalty to the firm, Respect for Authority, Technological Skills, Perception towards Teamwork and Motivation. The main limitations faced throughout the study were the lack of any previously conducted research concerning the generation gap in Lebanon, and the strong cultural and traditional behavior of Lebanese people in general, which definitely has a strong effect on their behavior in the workplace as well as their predisposition to certain beliefs.