How work values and organizational outcomes differ by generational cohort in Malaysia's manufacturing sector

Abstract

An empirical study of 164 employees at seven large‐scale manufacturers in Malaysia's Penang Free Trade Zone suggests that work values, job satisfaction, organizational commitment, and turnover intention of various generational cohorts differ. Baby Boomers have a higher level of organizational commitment and job satisfaction than their coworkers in Generation X and Generation Y, while Generation Xers have the lowest level of intention to quit. In addition, Baby Boomers have a high level of intrinsic, altruistic, and prestige work values, while Generation Xers have higher intrinsic, extrinsic, social, and prestige work values. In illuminating how organizational outcomes vary by generational cohort, this study suggests ways that human resource professionals can tailor their policies and practices to achieve organizational goals.