Prepare for the impact of the multigenerational workforce!

Purpose – In spite of technology and its subsequent organizational advantages, the purpose of this paper is to advocate the need for public sector leadership to understand and consider the forthcoming pivotal role and challenges associated with the unique values and characterises of a multiple generation workforce will have in the attainment of organizational goals and objectives. Design/methodology/approach An examination of the literature is utilized to identify management techniques and work methodologies regarding generational differences and unique characteristics of four organizational workgroups – veterans, baby boomers, generation X, and Y, which may be an underlying factor in the attainment of organizational success. Findings This paper advocates that an understanding of generational differences may enable management to structure strategies and transformation techniques to motivate employees to the full extent of their skills and abilities in order to support the realization of organizational goals and objectives. Originality/value This paper enhances personal knowledge and understanding at the theoretical and practical levels enabling business leaders to gain insight regarding the generational differences and unique characteristics of four organizational workgroups – veterans, baby boomers, generation X, and Y. Without understanding these different cohorts' values, management strategies and techniques cannot be fully utilize nor can employees be fully motivated to the full extent of their skills and abilities, in order to support organizational goals and objectives. © 2009, Emerald Group Publishing Limited