Theory of Generations as a Tool for Analysis, Formation and Development of Labour Potential

The modern Strauss–Howe generational theory created at the intersection of economic, sociological, historical and psychological Sciences. She focuses primarily on difference of attitudes of generations, due to the specific social environment, corresponding to a certain period of time. Such a perspective on issues related to the human factor in the economy, has recently attracted interest not only from researchers, but also finds application for solving practical problems in some fields of business. Subject / theme. The article is devoted to one of the urgent contemporary socio-economic problems – the issue of the formation and development of labor potential. In this context, the theory of generations is offered by the authors as a tool for the study of qualitative parameters of human resources and the planning of future work opportunities in our country. In particular, the article considers the main aspects of the classical version of the Strauss–Howe generational theory and its Russian adaptation. Statistics describing the General demographics and working population of Russia from the point of view of generational groups. On this basis, a forecast is made of the labor potential of the country in the long term structure, review and compare the basic values and business characteristics of its constituent generations. Problem areas for which use of generational approach is rational are revealed and the corresponding recommendations are made. Objectives. The purpose of this article is justification of the possible application of provisions of modern theories of generations to identify and predict the dynamics of qualitative characteristics of the domestic workforce, as well as the prospects of its use in order to control the formation and development of labor potential. Methods. Methodological basis of the presented work make comparative and economic-statistical and socio-cultural methods of analysis. Results. In the framework of this article, the authors determined that of the five generations living in Russia today four groups constitute the major workforce of the country. At the same time in terms of labour potential for the future advisable to consider three generations, the evaluation value characteristics which showed significant differences in their social and personal attitudes that affect attitudes to education, the acquisition of professional skills and work as a whole. This situation carries the negative points, so it is important to establish quality of intergenerational interaction and choose the right vector of development of labor potential, aimed at the successful development of the domestic economy. Conclusions /significance. Practical value of the study is that the authors offer recommendations for the use of the theory of generations as a management tool can be applied in the framework of the tasks of formation and development of labour potential at the level of countries and individual organizations.