Generational Differences in Work Values of Generation X and Y in The Ministry of State Secretariat
Mira Widiarani & Yanki Hartijasti
The Ministry of State Secretariat
Abstract
In this study we explore the differences in work values of generation X and Y in The Ministry of State Secretariat as one of public institutions in Indonesia and find out the dominant work values from both generations. This research used a qualitative content analysis method with open ended questionnaire. Respondents of this research were 115 employees as representatives from 9 units, consisted of 58 generation X (50%) and 57 generation Y (50%). Work values dimensions of "Instrumental value", "cognitive value", "social value" and "prestige value" (Lyons, 2010) were most commonly found in the field. The result of this research also showed that mostly both generations performed instrumental work values meanwhile the least work value that were performed was prestige work value. The instrumental work value mostly performed by generation X with "supervisor" category (i.e.‘supportive supervisor-), and generation Y performed "training" category (i.e. ‘the opportunity for education and training-). Cognitive work with category "advancement" was dominant from both generations, especially for generation Y (i.e. ‘promotion-). The social work value with "co-worker" category was dominant from both generations, mostly generation Y (i.e. team work). Prestige work value with "impact" category (i.e. ‘involving in activities that support organizational performance-) was dominant from both generations, especially for generation X. Our result also suggest that differences in work values were strongly influenced by the culture, so the finding are different from those in several other countries.
Keywords: Content analysis; Generation X; Generation Y; Ministry of State Secretariat; work values
Topic: Human Resource Development