The study validates a scale that allows the exploration of intergenerational conflict in organizations. To validate the questionnaire, the descriptive statistics of the sample are obtained, Cronbach's alpha and Pearson's correlations between variables are calculated, an exploratory factor analysis is performed with the SPSS software. A first-order confirmatory factor analysis is performed with the AMOS software, and the Dillon-Goldstein rho (or composite reliability) is calculated to verify the internal consistency of the indicators for each latent variable. The result is that all the acceptance criteria have been met, the Rho de Dillon-Goldstein is acceptable, the first factor (opening of the generation gap) is 0.85, and the second factor (limitations for intergenerational work) is 0.78, so the model obtained the required validation quality.
TopBackground
The term generation is associated with a group of people who share characteristics that identify or differentiate it from other descendants. This process depends on various aspects, including the influence of the historical moment and the events experienced, the environment geographical, territorial, values and the cultural-educational period experienced. These contexts condition the profile, character and personality of a generation through a process of synergy that allows it to contribute to its community, which is known as imprinting generational (Gutierrez and Herráiz, 2009). Since 2005 Gelleard and Higgs conceptualize generations as a “set of dispositions that generate and structure individual practices that emerge and are defined by the forces operating within a particular generational field (time frame)'' (p. 70). This approach suggests that generations should not be considered as fixed forms and recognizes that conditions can change the dynamics of relationships within and between groups generations over time. They point out that certain aspects of modernity, such as the greater economic prosperity among the elderly, greater control over economic resources among the retirees, increased access to technology, and common lifestyles through age have reduced typical generational differences.
Leccardi and Feixa (2011) mention three historical moments in the development of the concept of generation: a) The world wars, when the philosophical bases on succession and generational coexistence were founded; b) The 1960s, when the work focused on generational conflict, c) The 1990s, with the emergence of the networked society, with the expertise of young people in digital technology compared to previous generations.
The Baby Boomer generation can historically be characterized as the generation born in the era of American world preference, which followed World War II World Wide and lasted until the early 1960s (Tulgan, 1996). They grew during a healthy and prosperous economy (Jones et al., 2018) the characteristics of this generation are individualistic, free spirited, oriented to social causes. The Babies Boomer known as cohort #2 (born 1955 to 1964), have as key characteristics be less optimistic, are distrustful of the government, present a general cynicism, (Schuman and Scott 1989; Meredith and Schewe, 1994; Noble and Schewe, 2003), they value the international career, they prefer the extra benefits such as checks, nursery, gym, prioritize family and friends, prefer to help others, like their autonomy and interdependence (Generation and Talent Observatory [OGT], 2020).