The Differences in Leadership Styles Among Generations

Abstract

Studies show that there are differences among generations in terms of characteristics and work attitudes and values, and these differences in their work values and attitudes as well as their characteristics affect their leadership styles at the workplaces. However, little research has been produced from the perspective of leaders. This research's purpose of the project is to set forth whether the leaders in different generations are adapting different leadership styles according to the generations or not in order to be successful during their leadership. The study was conducted in automotive industry in Turkey. Two mixed focus group discussions were conducted with leaders representing each generational cohort groups. The study's results support that there are more differences than the similarities among the generations, which is in compliance with many studies conducted by the researchers. Also, the leaders tend to adapt different leadership styles according to the generations of their subordinates.