Reifschneider-Smith, Tiffany Lynn, authorBroadfoot, Kirsten J., advisorAoki, Eric, committee memberSarason, Yolanda, committee member2007-01-032007-01-032011http://hdl.handle.net/10217/46743Professional organizations are currently facing a phenomenon that has not been experienced or seen before. As the economy remains fragile and the cost of living continues to rise, a greater number of students are entering the workforce while working to complete their college degrees, and the more seasoned professionals are working well past what has traditionally been called the "retirement years." Due to this increasing number of the young and old entering the workforce, four generations are now working side by side on a daily basis, and this is leaving many professional organizations to wonder "How do we manage, motivate, and communicate with four increasingly diverse age groups?" Interviews were conducted and participant observations took place within one professional Colorado organization to gain a better understanding of how multiple generations working within one company communicatively construct and perform their generational identities. Through the interview and observation data, six themes emerged illuminating both similar and diverse ways as to how the four generations prefer to communicate and interact in the workplace. In this study the meanings of these themes are discussed in order to shed light on the consequences, both positive and negative, of having four generations working together every day.born digitalmasters thesesengCopyright and other restrictions may apply. User is responsible for compliance with all applicable laws. For information about copyright law, please see https://libguides.colostate.edu/copyright.generationssocial constructionorganizationsintergenerationalinteractionsText