1887
  1. Home
  2. e-Journals
  3. Journal of Asian Pacific Communication
  4. Volume 28, Issue 1
  5. Article
Volume 28, Issue 1
  • ISSN 0957-6851
  • E-ISSN: 1569-9838
USD
Buy:$35.00 + Taxes

Abstract

 – This research investigates the generational differences in workplace communication, expectations and behaviors of employees from the perspectives of female leaders and their direct reports.

 – This study employs a qualitative approach through in-depth interviews with 12 female leaders and 24 of their direct reports who are working in various organizations in Malaysia.

 – Findings include three themes that emerged as key in determining and reflecting the female leaders’ experiences in communicating with their employees in the workplace: (1) attitudes towards power and authority; (2) being creative and taking risks and (3) workplace dynamics.

 – The workplace setting and the leaders’ stance with regards to workplace interaction have seen adjustment towards a flatter and less-hierarchical structure in line with the challenges associated with the 21st century organizations.

 – Leaders and members of the organizations should work towards balancing some traditional and emerging expectations and work practices to better engage with each other.

 – This research highlights the interactions between two distinct groups that are gaining importance and influence in the current workplace; female leaders and the Gen-Ys and uncovers the unique blend between perceived cultural dimensions, the influence of technology advancement and overseas exposure in organizations in Malaysia.

© John Benjamins Publishing Company
Loading

Article metrics loading...

/content/journals/10.1075/japc.00007.abd
2018-01-19
2025-04-25

  • From This Site

    /content/journals/10.1075/japc.00007.abd
    dcterms_title,dcterms_subject,pub_keyword
    -contentType:Journal -contentType:Contributor -contentType:Concept -contentType:Institution
    10
    5
Loading full text...

Full text loading...

References

  1. Adler, N. J. & Osland, J. S.
    (2016) Women leading globally: What we know, thought we knew, and need to know about leadership in the 21st century. Advances in Global Leadership, 9, 15–56. doi: 10.1108/S1535‑120320160000009003
     https://doi.org/10.1108/S1535-120320160000009003 [Google Scholar]
  2. Ahmad-Zaluki, N. A.
    (2012) The pre-and post-IPOs gender composition of board of directors in Malaysia. Gender in Management: An International Journal, 27(7), 449–462. doi: 10.1108/17542411211273441
     https://doi.org/10.1108/17542411211273441 [Google Scholar]
  3. Ayman, R. , & Korabik, K.
    (2010) Leadership: Why gender and culture matter. American Psychologist, 65(3), 157. doi: 10.1037/a0018806
     https://doi.org/10.1037/a0018806 [Google Scholar]
  4. Becton, J. B. , Walker, H. J. , & Jones-Farmer, A.
    (2014) Generational differences in workplace behaviour. Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 44(3), 175–189. doi: 10.1111/jasp.12208
     https://doi.org/10.1111/jasp.12208 [Google Scholar]
  5. Berkery, E. , Morley, M. , & Tiernan, S.
    (2013) Beyond gender role stereotypes and requisite managerial characteristics: from communal to androgynous, the changing views of women. Gender in Management: An International Journal, 28(5), 278–298. doi: 10.1108/GM‑12‑2012‑0098
     https://doi.org/10.1108/GM-12-2012-0098 [Google Scholar]
  6. Boekhorst, J. A.
    (2015) The role of authentic leadership in fostering workplace inclusion: A social information processing perspective. Human Resource Management, 54(2), 241–264. doi: 10.1002/hrm.21669
     https://doi.org/10.1002/hrm.21669 [Google Scholar]
  7. Chavez, C. I. , & Weisinger, J. Y.
    (2008) Beyond diversity training: A social infusion for cultural inclusion. Human Resource Management, 47(2), 331–350. doi: 10.1002/hrm.20215
     https://doi.org/10.1002/hrm.20215 [Google Scholar]
  8. Chawla, D. , Dokadia, A. & Rai, S.
    (2017) Multigenerational Differences in Career Preferences, Reward Preferences and Work Engagement among Indian Employees, Global Business Review, 18(1), pp.181–197. doi: 10.1177/0972150916666964
     https://doi.org/10.1177/0972150916666964 [Google Scholar]
  9. Chen, P. J. , & Choi, Y.
    (2008) Generational differences in work values: a study of hospitality management. International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, 20(6), 595–615. doi: 10.1108/09596110810892182
     https://doi.org/10.1108/09596110810892182 [Google Scholar]
  10. Cheung, F. M. , & Halpern, D. F.
    (2010) Women at the top: powerful leaders define success as work+ family in a culture of gender. American Psychologist, 65(3), 182. doi: 10.1037/a0017309
     https://doi.org/10.1037/a0017309 [Google Scholar]
  11. Cooper, D. R. , & Schindler, P. S.
    (2014) Business Research Methods. © The McGraw− Hill Companies.
     [Google Scholar]
  12. Corbin, J. , & Strauss, A.
    (2008) Basics of qualitative research (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications
     [Google Scholar]
  13. Cox, L. V.
    (2016) Understanding Millennial, Generation X, and Baby Boomer Preferred Leadership Characteristics: Informing Today’s Leaders and Followers. Brandman University, USA. ProQuest Dissertations Publishing.
  14. Crumpacker, M. & Crumpacker, J. D.
    (2007) Succession planning and generational stereotypes: Should HR consider age-based values and attitudes a relevant factor or a passing fad?. Public Personnel Management, 36(4), 349–369. doi: 10.1177/009102600703600405
     https://doi.org/10.1177/009102600703600405 [Google Scholar]
  15. Day, D. V.
    (2000) Leadership development: A review in context. The Leadership Quarterly, 11(4), 581–613. doi: 10.1016/S1048‑9843(00)00061‑8
     https://doi.org/10.1016/S1048-9843(00)00061-8 [Google Scholar]
  16. Eagly, A. H. , & Karau, S. J.
    (2002) Role congruity theory of prejudice toward female leaders. Psychological review, 109(3), 573. doi: 10.1037/0033‑295X.109.3.573
     https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-295X.109.3.573 [Google Scholar]
  17. Fondas, N.
    (1997) Feminization unveiled: Management qualities in contemporary writings. Academy of Management Review, 22(1), 257–282.
     [Google Scholar]
  18. Francis-Smith, J.
    (2004) Surviving and thriving in the multigenerational workplace. Journal Record, 1. search.proquest.com.ezaccess.library.uitm.edu.my/doc
     [Google Scholar]
  19. Galli, E. B. , & Müller-Stewens, G.
    (2012) How to build social capital with leadership development: Lessons from an explorative case study of a multibusiness firm. The Leadership Quarterly, 23(1), 176–201. doi: 10.1016/j.leaqua.2011.11.014
     https://doi.org/10.1016/j.leaqua.2011.11.014 [Google Scholar]
  20. Gilbert, J.
    (2011) The Millennials: A new generation of employees, a new set of engagement policies. Ivey Business Journal: Improving the Practice of Management, September-October, 1–3.
     [Google Scholar]
  21. Glass, A.
    (2007) Understanding generational differences for competitive success. Industrial and Commercial Training, 39(2), 98–103. doi: 10.1108/00197850710732424
     https://doi.org/10.1108/00197850710732424 [Google Scholar]
  22. Hartman, J. L. , & McCambridge, J.
    (2011) Optimizing millennials’ communication styles. Business Communication Quarterly, 74(1), 22–44. doi: 10.1177/1080569910395564
     https://doi.org/10.1177/1080569910395564 [Google Scholar]
  23. Hofstede, G. H.
    (1980) Culture’s consequences: International differences in work-related values. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
     [Google Scholar]
  24. House, R. J. et al.
    (2004) Culture, leadership, and organizations: The GLOBE study of 62 societies. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
     [Google Scholar]
  25. House, R. J. , Wright, N. S. , & Aditya, R. N.
    (1997) Cross-cultural research on organizational leadership: A critical analysis and a proposed theory. In P. C. Earley , and M. Erez (Eds.), New perspectives in international industrial organizational psychology, San Francisco: New Lexington.
     [Google Scholar]
  26. House, R. , Javidan, M. , Hanges, P. , & Dorfman, P.
    (2002) Understanding cultures and implicit leadership theories across the globe: an introduction to project GLOBE. Journal of World Business, 37(1), 3–10. doi: 10.1016/S1090‑9516(01)00069‑4
     https://doi.org/10.1016/S1090-9516(01)00069-4 [Google Scholar]
  27. Howe, N. , & Strauss, W.
    (1992) Generations: The history of America’s future. Harper Collins.
     [Google Scholar]
  28. Inglehart, R.
    (1997) Modernization and post-modernization: Cultural, economic, and political change in 43 Societies. Princeton. N.J.: Princeton University Press.
     [Google Scholar]
  29. Ismail, M. , Abd Rahim, A. N. , Lee, K. H. & Mohd Thahri, N. F.
    (2016) Cultural Values and Career Goals of Gen-X and Gen-Y Employees: Evidence From Selected Malaysian Companies, Organizations and Markets in Emerging Economies7 (2), pp.43–64.
     [Google Scholar]
  30. Jogulu, U. D.
    (2010) Culturally-linked leadership styles. Leadership & Organization Development Journal, 31(8), 705–719. doi: 10.1108/01437731011094766
     https://doi.org/10.1108/01437731011094766 [Google Scholar]
  31. Jogulu, U. D. , & Wood, G. J.
    (2008) A cross-cultural study into peer evaluations of women’s leadership effectiveness. Leadership & Organization Development Journal, 29(7), 600–616. doi: 10.1108/01437730810906344
     https://doi.org/10.1108/01437730810906344 [Google Scholar]
  32. Lanaj, K. , & Hollenbeck, J. R.
    (2015) Leadership over-emergence in self-managing teams: The role of gender and countervailing biases. Academy of Management Journal, 58(5), 1476–1494. doi: 10.5465/amj.2013.0303
     https://doi.org/10.5465/amj.2013.0303 [Google Scholar]
  33. Lyons, S. , & Kuron, L.
    (2014) Generational differences in the workplace: A review of the evidence and directions for future research. Journal of Organizational Behavior, 35(1), 139–157. doi: 10.1002/job.1913
     https://doi.org/10.1002/job.1913 [Google Scholar]
  34. Martin, D.
    (2005) On secularisation: Towards a revised general theory. Ashgate Pub Co.
     [Google Scholar]
  35. McCann, R. M. , & Giles, H.
    (2006) Communication with people of different ages in the workplace: Thai and American data. Human Communication Research, 32(1), 74–108. doi: 10.1111/j.1468‑2958.2006.00004.x
     https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-2958.2006.00004.x [Google Scholar]
  36. (2007) Age-differentiated communication in organizations: Perspectives from Thailand and the United States. Communication Research Reports, 24(1), 1–12. doi: 10.1080/08824090601120841
     https://doi.org/10.1080/08824090601120841 [Google Scholar]
  37. McFarland, L. , Senen, S. , & Childress, J. R.
    (1993) Twenty-first century leadership. New York: Leadership Press.
     [Google Scholar]
  38. Meister, J. C. , & Willyerd, K.
    (2010) Mentoring millennials. Harvard Business Review, 88(5), 68–72.
     [Google Scholar]
  39. Mencl, J. , & Lester, S. W.
    (2014) More alike than different what generations value and how the values affect employee workplace perceptions. Journal of Leadership and Organizational Studies, 21(3), 257–272. doi: 10.1177/1548051814529825
     https://doi.org/10.1177/1548051814529825 [Google Scholar]
  40. Miller, M. , Hodge, K. , Brandt, A. & Schneider, E.
    (2013) The young and the restless: Gen Ys in the workplace: are you prepared?. FDCC Quarterly, 63(3), 226–250.
     [Google Scholar]
  41. Myers, K. K. , & Sadaghiani, K.
    (2010) Millennials in the workplace: A communication perspective on millennials’ organizational relationships and performance. Journal of Business and Psychology, 25(2), 225–238. doi: 10.1007/s10869‑010‑9172‑7
     https://doi.org/10.1007/s10869-010-9172-7 [Google Scholar]
  42. Oblinger, D.
    (2003) Boomers, gen-Xers, and millennials: Understanding the new students. Educause Review, 38, 37–47.
     [Google Scholar]
  43. Olson, M.
    (2009) The logic of collective action, Vol.124. Harvard University Press.
     [Google Scholar]
  44. Osland, J. , Oddou, G. , Bird, A. , & Osland, A.
    (2013) Exceptional global leadership as cognitive expertise: In the domain of global change. European Journal of International Management, 7(5), 517–534. doi: 10.1504/EJIM.2013.056475
     https://doi.org/10.1504/EJIM.2013.056475 [Google Scholar]
  45. Rowley, C. , Bae, J. , Horak, S. & Bacouel-Jentjens, S.
    (2016) Distinctiveness of human resource management in the Asia Pacific region: typologies and levels, The International Journal of Human Resource Management, 1–16.
     [Google Scholar]
  46. Scharwtz, S. H.
    (1994), “Are there universal aspects in the structure and contents of human values?”, Journal of Social Issues, Vol.50, No.4, pp.19–45. doi: 10.1111/j.1540‑4560.1994.tb01196.x
     https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1540-4560.1994.tb01196.x [Google Scholar]
  47. Sekaran, U. , & Bougie, R.
    (2013) Research methods for business: A skill-building approach. New York. Wiley & Sons
  48. Shaw, S. and Fairhurst, D.
    (2008) Engaging a new generation of graduates. Education and Training, 50(5), 366–378. doi: 10.1108/00400910810889057
     https://doi.org/10.1108/00400910810889057 [Google Scholar]
  49. Shore, L. M. , Randel, A. E. , Chung, B. G. , Dean, M. A. , Ehrhart, K. H. , & Singh, G.
    (2011) Inclusion and diversity in work groups: A review and model for future research. Journal of Management, 37, 1262–1289. doi: 10.1177/0149206310385943
     https://doi.org/10.1177/0149206310385943 [Google Scholar]
  50. Smith, P. B. & Peterson, M. F.
    (1995) Beyond value comparisons: sources used to give meaning to management work events in twenty-nine countries. Paper presented at theannual meeting of the Academy of Management , Vancouver, Canada.
     [Google Scholar]
  51. Smola, K. W. E. Y. , & Sutton, C. D.
    (2002) Generational differences : revisiting generational work values for the new millennium. Journal of Organizational Behaviour, 23, 363–382. doi: 10.1002/job.147
     https://doi.org/10.1002/job.147 [Google Scholar]
  52. Taylor, P.
    (2014), “The next America boomers, millennials, and the looming generational showdown”, New York: Pew Research Center.
  53. Tulgan, B.
    (2011) Generation Y. Journal of Leadership Studies, 5(3), 77–81. doi: 10.1002/jls.20237
     https://doi.org/10.1002/jls.20237 [Google Scholar]
  54. Twenge, J. M. & Campbell, S. M.
    (2008) Generational differences in psychological traits and their impact on the workplace. Journal of Managerial Psychology, 23(8), 862–877. doi: 10.1108/02683940810904367
     https://doi.org/10.1108/02683940810904367 [Google Scholar]
  55. Tyler, K.
    (2008) Generation gaps: millennials may be out of touch with the basics of workplace behavior. HR Magazine, 69–72.
     [Google Scholar]
  56. van Emmerik, I. H. , Euwema, M. C. , & Wendt, H.
    (2008) Leadership behaviors around the world: The relative importance of gender versus cultural background. International Journal of Cross Cultural Management, 8(3), 297–315. doi: 10.1177/1470595808096671
     https://doi.org/10.1177/1470595808096671 [Google Scholar]
  57. Wasserman, I. C. , Gallegos, P. V. , & Ferdman, B. M.
    (2008) Dancing with resistance: leadership challenges in fostering a culture of inclusion. In K. M. Thomas (Ed.), Diversity resistance in organizations. New York, NY: Taylor and Francis.
     [Google Scholar]
  58. Yin, R. K.
    (2014) Case study research: design and methods. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
     [Google Scholar]
  59. Zikmund, W. , Babin, B. , Carr, J. , & Griffin, M.
    (2012) Business research methods. (12th ed.). Mason, Ohio, USA: Cengage Learning
     [Google Scholar]
/content/journals/10.1075/japc.00007.abd
Loading
Generational differences in workplace communication
Journal of Asian Pacific Communication 28, 129 (2018); https://doi.org/10.1075/japc.00007.abd
/content/journals/10.1075/japc.00007.abd
/content/journals/10.1075/japc.00007.abd
Loading

Data & Media loading...

  • Article Type: Research Article
Keyword(s): female leaders; generational differences; workplace communication

Most Cited

This is a required field
Please enter a valid email address
Approval was successful
Invalid data
An Error Occurred
Approval was partially successful, following selected items could not be processed due to error