Is There Really a Generational Gap? Characteristics, Values and How to Talk to Each Generation

Every twenty years or so, a new generation emerges, in the sense of a large group of individuals with their own set of characteristics. And each generation is slightly different than the previous ones, and faces challenges in communicating with other generations. In this theoretical research, we analyze the various generations that exist, with a focus on their main characteristics, similarities and differences. There are six main generations, from the beginning of the 20th century (around 1920’s till present day): (1) the mature generation; (2) baby boomers; (3) generation X; (4) generation Y; (5) generation Z and (5) generation Alpha. The purpose is to give a broad view about their main traits and recommendations about how to talk to each generation and we hope these ideas will help improve communication both at work, on a professional level and between generations, mainly on a personal level.