The Myth of the Millennials - Essay Example

Critique Essay on an Article In “The Myth of the Millennials,” Edwin W. Koc explores the characteristics of the millennial generation in relation to their practice and how they will impact the work environment. He argues that this generation has a unique attitude influenced by the period in which they were brought up and the influence from the previous generations particularly the baby-boomers. Having been brought up in the era of technological advancement, the millennial generation was well informed and interconnected with people from varying background. These qualities gave them competence in decision-making and changed their attitudes towards work. They have acquired a great influence from their parents who are their close advisors in career engagement and more enlightened to the extent of controlling their choice in lives such as their career choices. Edwin argues that the millennial generation has specific characteristics that will influence the work performance since they are more inclined to work life balance. This document examines various attributes of a millennial generation as discussed in “The Myth of Millennials.” Since the research was concluded in 2008, Edwin presents the facts of the observed traits of Millennials at the workplace and their approach to decision-making. His argument about the parent’s influence on their children cannot be explained in a better way than he did. According to Elam et al. (2007), the millennial generation was brought up by parents from middle and upper class that had well-focused mind about what is good for their children. They were close to their children and because of their exposure they controlled the behavior and thinking of their children. Their view contradicts Edwin’s argument that the parental control and support for their children’s self-esteem influenced their decision-making attitude in their career lives because they became self-indulgent and dependent on employees and adults in making decision. Elam et al. (2007) have a different view that a millennial generation was much exposed through adequate interaction with parents and people from diversified background that led to improved interpersonal relations and improved decision-making. They have fewer problems in relating to employees from diversified background in a globalized economy because they have experience in interpersonal relations. In addition, these workers had better focus on their work performance and interested in group achievement as opposed to individual performance. The ability of employees to form successful teams with shared goals has led to improved overall performance of the organizations. Edwin also notes another characteristic of the millennial generation as their desire for work-life balance that leads to choice of preferred employer or choosing the new job. This implies that the graduates of a millennial generation have no drive for career compared to the previous generation. For this reason, this generation may not take any job offered to them if it exposes them to long working hours. He claims that the desire for work-life balance differs among the individuals and influences the length of time individuals spend at work. The challenge to the employers is determining the attitude of individuals to work. However, his view contradicts the argument presented by Elam et al. (2007) perception that the millennium generation as being focused and reliant on their parents in career matters. Being so close to their parents gives the millennial generation resilience in their career choice. Their closeness to the parents could explain the reason this generation has to be particular about the careers they pursue and the time they willing to devote in their careers. In addition, Elam et al argues that the parents’ involvement in decision of selecting college students has improved confidence of students about their future lives, motivation and has made the learners talent achievers and followers of structured rules. This has changed the perception of workers at the workplace because the workers are inclined towards achieving their goals alongside the organization’s goals. Since graduates from the millennial generation are well focused and particular about the nature of jobs offered the employers are offering better salaries to attract competent workers and retain them for the longer time. In addition, companies are offering employees with flexible working hours and better benefits. Edwin claims that information about the millennial generation and their attitude is essential to the recruiters and employers because it enable them to adjust according to the needs of the labour market. When the baby boomers and other previous generations retire, the millennial generation has to take the jobs after them (Elam et al., 2007). Edwin claims that due to pressure in the job market the recruit students will have to behave like professional workers of the previous generations. The trend is likely to persist because the generations that will take after the millennial generation of employees will inherit the traits of the generation and demand for more flexible jobs with better pay. In addition, the millennial generation will be less likely to hop from job to another and will require more secure jobs. The author also suggests that in case the employers fail to provide stable jobs with better pay the workers will influence the working relationships by engaging in union movements to strengthen their voice against the employers. Elam et al. (2007) shares similar sentiment because they believes that millennial generation workers are likely to influence the working environment by collaborating with their colleagues due to the strong interpersonal relations they share with their colleagues. For this reason, employers will have the strong influence in the labour market than previous generations hence they are likely to enjoy more flexible working time with better earnings and job security. In conclusion, Edwin’s perception about the influence of a millennial generation of workers is supported by Elam et al. (2007). The influence of the parents affects their career choice, the job flexibility, and earnings. They influence employers’ decision due to high bargaining power resulting from interpersonal relations. The employers will have to ensure more secure jobs for the workers in order to retain them longer. However, due to increase in labour mobility employees will have to behave like professionals during recruitments due to a competitive nature of the labour market. For this reason, Edwin’s perception about influence of the millennial generation in the labour market lies in the employees’ ability to predict the workers attitude in order to shape the work environment in way that will satisfy workers expectations. Reference Elam, C., Stratton, T. & Gibson, D. D. (2007). Welcoming a New Generation to College: The Millennial Students; Journal of College Admission. National Association of College Admissions Counselors. Read More