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Intergenerational Friction at Work

By David A. Morrison
TWENTYSOMETHING^™ Inc.

Dear Editor:

The intergenerational friction discussed within your "Generation Hex" article (March 2002) most certainly exists to varying degrees. Our consulting firm has observed this dynamic first-hand for numerous Fortune 500 companies since 1991. Such potential for age-based conflict will last as long as the sun continues to shine; intelligent professionals will continually redefine how they manage based on the evolving needs of their underlings. Such is the key to success for all involved parties and the process works best when it is both collaborative and organic.

However, I am compelled to clarify an erroneous statistic mentioned within your piece that has plagued my generation since 1991. (I'm a card carrying GenXer.) There are far more than the 46 million Generation Xers cited in your article; according to the U.S. Census Bureau, which defines GenX as having been born between 1964 and 1984, there are approximately 77 million Xers in the United States alone. Unfortunately, many folks are still thinking only of the much hyped (and maligned) 18-29 year olds that were affixed with this label back in 1991. The overall market, obviously, spans more than a mere decade since most young adults are not spontaneously reproducing every ten years. (Webster's Dictionary defines a generation as covering three decades which would make GenX even larger still.) Incidentally, Generation Y, if it is not classified as a subset as GenX, will span from 1985 to 2005.

Thank you for the opportunity to set the record straight for your readers. Keep up the great work!

David A. Morrison is president of TWENTYSOMETHING^™ Inc. Philadelphia-based and an industry pioneer, his firm specializes in young adult consulting and marketing research. Clients include an impressive array of Fortune 500s, leading advertising agencies, colleges and universities, global nonprofits, and state as well as federal government agencies. 

                                                                                    © 2002 TWENTYSOMETHING^™ INC.